Everyone in Rhode Island wants the same thing: a stronger economy with good jobs that help families to build a future. But tax cuts that some propose won’t create this path to prosperity. Tax cuts have but a negligible effect on creating jobs and generating economic activity.  What really works is investing in schools, transportation, and safe communities; helping entrepreneurs …

 Kate Brewster, Executive Director       I am honored to have participated on the Commission.  I appreciate that all of the members are deeply concerned about the state’s economy and eager to enact policies that will help grow jobs in our state. Costly, broad-based tax cuts of any form, however, are not the solution to building Rhode Island’s economy. Given all …

To ensure Rhode Island uses its available resources in the most effective way possible, it’s time to subject tax breaks, that cost the State over $1.7 billion a year, to the same scrutiny given to money spent through the state budget. Like other states, Rhode Island increasingly writes into law provisions that allow people or businesses to reduce their taxes …

The Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC) is widely recognized as an effective, short-term tool for lifting low-income working families out of poverty by encouraging work and supplementing low wages.  Rhode Island should enhance the effectiveness of its state EITC by increasing the refund available to low-wage workers.  This would put money in the pockets of low-income working households that could …

Everyone wants to get the Ocean State’s struggling economy back on track, and there is a wide range of ideas and significant debate about how best to make progress. The Governor has proposed cutting the state’s corporate income tax as a way to move the economy forward. With a price tag of almost $90 million over five years, the proposed …

Tax Policy Proposals in the Proposed FY2011 Budget Governor Carcieri’s proposed FY 2011 budget totals $7.5 billion and includes spending and revenue changes to close a $427.4 million deficit.  The tax policy proposals contained in the Budget include the repeal of two tax credits that will increase revenues by $3 million.  This increase is offset, however, by a corporate tax …

October 17, 2012 Check out our infographic that describes who doesn’t pay federal income tax in Rhode Island.