Lawmakers are starting to wonder whether the tax breaks for seniors have become so generous that they threaten the sustainability of state revenue streams.
Source: Boston Globe | Massachusetts |
January 17, 2013
Shrugging off the fiscal caution of recent years, Governor Deval Patrick proposed a $1.9 billion tax increase in his State of the Commonwealth address, saying it was necessary for the state to invest more in education and the state’s transportation network to “accelerate growth and expand opportunity.”
Source: Detroit Free Press | Michigan |
January 17, 2013
Gov. Rick Snyder called for $1.2 billon in higher gas taxes to help repair the state's crumbling road infrastructure in his third State of the State address, setting up what is sure to be a tough fight for both public support and votes in the Legislature.
Republican governors are introducing bold proposals that would abolish income taxes, business taxes and other unpopular levies and often offset those cuts by boosting sales taxes.
Source: Chicago Tribune | Illinois |
January 14, 2013
The state now has an outlook known as "rating watch negative," which could make it more expensive for the state to borrow money. Only California is below Illinois among states on this rating firm's list.
Silicon Valley? That is so 1995. As it turns out, other metropolitan areas across the country are kicking some Bay Area rear when it comes to tech job growth since the millennium.
Fast-changing technology has created gray areas in tax laws across the country. Businesses and lawmakers are sparring over whether commercial use of remote computer software and servers should be taxed.
Source: AP/Houston Chronicle | Texas |
January 11, 2013
Gov. Perry said Texas' pro-business and limited regulatory environment has the state's economy humming, while some other parts of the country struggle.
The nation’s top business advocate said Thursday it was time for the federal government to “quit fooling around” with funding the transportation trust that fuels many state and local infrastructure projects and called for an increase in the gas tax.
Source: AP/Idaho Statesman | Idaho |
January 8, 2013
Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter proposed eliminating Idaho's personal property tax, a move that would cost $141 million in tax revenue but provide a boost to business leaders who say the tax is a drag on the economy.
States each year dole out billions in incentives and tax breaks for businesses, but those that spend the most aren't necessarily winning the end game, some experts say.
Nationally, six straight years of revenue declines have put enormous pressure on state and local governments, nevertheless, some are thriving. Standard & Poor's, the credit-rating agency, reports that it issued more bond upgrades than downgrades in 2012.
The Medicaid expansion and the Affordable Care Act are in full swing. With the influx of people who will be applying for benefits and the ACA requirement for online enrollment, it is more important than ever to verify the identities of those accessing benefits up front.