- A column in the Tulsa World questions the notion touted by conservative lawmakers that Oklahoma’s personal income tax is holding back the state’s economy and therefore should be eliminated. An ITEP analysis published earlier this month raises other concerns with plans to dismantle this important tax source- over half of Oklahoma households would actually see their tax bills rise if current proposals are enacted.
- More state leaders- and voters- are joining the call to make it easier for states to collect taxes from internet sales. A majority of Michigan voters recently polled are receptive to paying sales taxes on the goods they purchase online. And, Idaho Governor Butch Otter told Chamber of Commerce leaders in his state that he supports collecting online sales taxes to “level the playing field” between internet retailers and in-state businesses.
- The Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government reports that while state revenues are on the rise, 36 states are still collecting less tax revenue than they were before the economic downturn.
- The Columbus Dispatch quotes ITEP Executive Director, Matthew Gardner, in a story that started out about the availability of free tax preparation help and turned into one about tax fairness.
- Rhode Island lawmakers, union leaders, and advocacy organizations kick off a “Tax the Rich” campaign. Based on ITEP data, a bill was filed to introduce a new top bracket for taxpayers with incomes above $500,000.