New budget thinking

Posted by Jack Hoffman on May 16, 2012 at 12:00 pm

The Legislature adopted three new provisions in this year’s appropriations bill that should move us all to start thinking differently about the budget and working together to re-shape state fiscal policy.

First, at the urging of the Vermont Workers’ Center, there is now a clear statement in law that the purpose of the Vermont budget is to provide for the wellbeing of the citizens of the state. That’s a great…

There’s still a chance to help the middle class

Posted by Jack Hoffman on May 4, 2012 at 12:10 pm

The Legislature is missing an opportunity this year to undo changes to Vermont’s school tax system that have made it harder for some middle-class Vermonters, including those who are retired, to stay in their homes. They’re also missing a chance to repeal a provision that punishes certain homeowners who pay school taxes based on their income.

The large majority of resident homeowners pay most or all of their school taxes…

Shouldn’t we review existing tax breaks first?

Posted by Jack Hoffman on April 26, 2012 at 9:37 am

Caught in the legislative logjam lawmakers are trying to clear before the end of the 2012 session are several bills containing tax breaks for individuals and businesses. The fate of the bills is still up in the air, but it’s safe to assume that many of the breaks will survive. This means another year of piecemeal tax policy. Meanwhile, the $200,000 report of Blue Ribbon Tax Structure Commission languishes…