By Dave Fisher in RIFuture.org
The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Maria Cimini and Senator Juan
Pichardo, both of Providence, would increase the income tax rate on those who
earn more than $250,000 a year from 5.99 percent to 7.99 percent.
The issue of tax equity in Rhode Island is a big one. The lowest
income Rhode Islander’s contribute almost twice as much, per share, in state
and local taxes, some 12 percent of the state’s revenue, while the top-tier
earners pay under 9 percent.
Members of Rhode Islander’s for Tax Equity (RITE) surrounded Cimini and Pichardo as they spoke on behalf of the bill. In the group was Tom Sgouros, who prepared a memo for RITE outlining some $1.243 billion in foregone state revenue associated with tax cuts made in Rhode Island since 1997, most of which affected only the wealthiest among us.
But Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed, who held a competing
press event just before this one, came out against tax equity, saying the
business community doesn’t support it.
Cimini told reporters that the state has to figure out a way to
fund the basic level of public sector services and this accomplishes that.
Dave Fisher is a writer, chef, musician, political junkie, animal lover,
ignorance hater, and a 2013 mayoral candidate in the city of Woonsocket. He's a
lifelong Woonsocket resident, who lovingly refers to himself as a Woonsocket
Rocket and proud Villa Novan. http://www.facebook.com/DaveFisherForMayor
