Go Local Prov: Rhode Islanders Speak In Favor of Raising Income Tax
media mentionWednesday, May 08, 2013
GoLocalProv Politics Team
An assemblage of Rhode Islanders, including labor leaders, municipal leaders, wealthy Rhode Islanders, Providence public school students, small business owners, economists and others, testified today in support of bill H-5751, sponsored by Representative Maria Cimini, that will increase the income tax rate from 5.99% to 7.99% on individuals making over $250,000 per year, which would create a 2% income tax rate increase on Rhode Islanders making over $250,000.
According to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, Rhode Island stands to recover $66 million in revenue by implementing this measure. Rhode Islanders for Tax Equity is advocating this additional revenue be used to increase funding to struggling cities and towns, lower property and car taxes on hard-working, less-fortunate Rhode Islanders and small businesses, restore cuts to critical programs that help our most vulnerable citizens, stop increases in tuitions at our state colleges and universities, and repair our roads and bridges.
Voices in favor of the tax increase
“This legislation would help to give local property tax relief for all of the cities and towns,” said Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena, a supporter of this legislation.
“For years, I have watched as the Providence public schools I attended have faced budget cuts that have affected my ability to get the education I want and deserve,” stated Jinnelle Harrison, a junior at Mount Pleasant High School and member of the Providence Student Union. “Every day students deal with buildings that are falling apart or classes that are way too large or losing electives and extracurriculars, because we’re told there’s no money. And now, as I begin planning for college, I know I may be facing record tuition rates that I don’t know how I’ll be able to afford. Because, again, there’s no money. Well, there is money–we’ve just decided it’s more important to give it to the wealthiest Rhode Islanders through tax cuts rather than invest it in youth like me who will be the future of Rhode Island. That’s wrong and it needs to end.”
Kathy Lund, owner of City Kitty, said, “My family is in the upper income tax bracket, and we can afford to pay a little bit more in order to help put money back in the pockets of middle-class Rhode Islanders. All facets of our community are being asked to help get the state back on its feet, except for well-to-do Rhode Islanders. I own a small business and talk to other small business owners every day. They are the real job creators–not the wealthy. This is the lifeblood of our economy, and it’s being threatened by an ever growing tax burden. It’s time to shift that tax burden onto the people who can afford it.”
Labor’s George Nee
“It’s time the General Assembly supported tax fairness for regular Rhode Islanders,” Rhode Island AFL-CIO President George Nee said. “The time for myths and falsehoods is over. If we pass this legislation, the wealthy will not flee the state. Our economy and unemployment rate will not get any worse than it already is. Politicians have continuously cut taxes for the wealthy. They said it was going to spur economic development, help create jobs and stimulate our economy. It didn’t work. Our unemployment rate is among the highest in the country, important services have been slashed and property taxes are disproportionately hurting lower and middle class Rhode Islanders. These tax breaks have helped one group of people–the wealthy. This tax policy has been a miserable failure for the vast majority of hard-working Rhode Islanders. It’s time to try a new direction.”