Tax cut still on Demo agenda
That could prove particularly true on a still-developing funding plan for transportation, which the Democrats generally support because it will expand public transportation options such as light and commuter rail along the Wasatch Front. With Republicans not as united on one particular plan, House Minority Leader Ralph Becker, D-Salt Lake, said that Democrats may be able to exercise some influence that they lack on the tax cut.
As proposed, the tax cut would spread brackets under the current system for this year, amounting to $40 million in cuts, and create an optional, flat-tax rate of 5.35 percent starting next year that would total another $30 million. For the average family, it would amount to a $48 tax cut this year. Meanwhile, the flat-tax rate would probably only be utilized by about 5 percent of taxpayers primarily those who are wealthy and could amount to hundreds, or even thousands, in tax-cut dollars.
"The Republicans have the votes to pass the income-tax changes," including some Democrats, Becker said. "But we will still have the chance to express our voices."
During a news conference Wednesday at the Capitol, Democrats joined with education advocates to voice concerns about the tax-cut plan, which will amount to $70 million this fiscal year. They also questioned the timing for the special session, which is only weeks before elections. And the Democrats criticized plans to discuss issues that are better suited for a general session, "when all of the mechanisms of the budget are in play," said Sen. Scott McCoy, D-Salt Lake.
The $70 million was earmarked during the 2006 general session as part of a deal that also included $70 million for a 2 percent reduction in the sales tax on food and $20 million for business tax cuts. Until this plan, however, no proposal for an income-tax reduction could gain enough traction to be approved by the Legislature.
McCoy said that even though the $70 million was approved, legislators have had little time to delve into this plan. Because of that, he said, it should not be handled during an all-too-brief special session.
"Just because the Republican majority decided amongst themselves to set aside $70 million doesn't mean that there's been comprehensive debate about how to use that $70 million," he said.
Instead, Democrats suggested that the money would be better used for human services, transportation, and especially education funding. Ideally, that would include targeted programs to reduce class sizes or increase teacher pay.
"The money needs to end up in our classrooms," House Assistant Minority Whip Pat Jones, D-Salt Lake, said. "Whether it's computers, books, increased teacher pay, or class-size reduction, that is what the people of this state want."
E-mail: jloftin@desnews.com
Comments
- Myths harmless, unnecessary 10:17 a.m.
- Reactions on Boozer speculation 10:15 a.m.
- Obama and pope hold first meeting 10:11 a.m.
- Stocks falter 10:10 a.m.
- Springville may allow chickens 10:08 a.m.
- Man admits slaying in cold-case 10:07 a.m.
- Armstrong drops to 3rd at Tour 10:04 a.m.
- White is underestimated in garden 10:03 a.m.
- Super glue: It's holding us together 9:49 a.m.
- Feillu wins 7th Tour stage 9:48 a.m.
- Jazz talking Boozer trade?
- Stadium of Fire flag burning was fake
- Jazz in back of line for free agents
- Okur signs two-year extension
- A primer for the 6th Potter film
- Jazz won't meet Lopez on Europe trip
- Restaurant destroyed by fire
- Mall owner seeks to retain zoning
- Jazz rally for OT win at Orlando
- AK will not play for Russia this summer
- Bronco collecting a galaxy of recruits
140 - Letters: Palin mistreated
137 - Teachers struggle with district cuts
135 - Blazers may offer Millsap a contract
123 - Jazz talking Boozer trade?
106 - Fairness of BCS debated
81 - Moon landing: Let's hear from you
78 - Chaffetz eyes challenging Bennett
73 - Services bids farewell to Jackson
70 - Letters: Single-payer system best
69
As more and more dads are put out of work in this economy, I've been...
The photographs are mysterious, brooding, dark. They show dimples and...
Actually come to think of it Webster would be an awesome fit in the Jazz...
YOU WANT THE GOVERNMENT TO WIPE YOUR NOSE EVERY TIME YOU SNEEZE, THEN THE...
Might as well plant corn, or something else to utilize the ground while we...
Apollo Sun Millsap started 31 games last season and averaged 16 and 10....
In Kalifornia they need to purge the welfare rolls, cut off free health care...
Brother Chuck, attacking Jesse Jackson on this is a new low for you.
As a percentage of the state population, New Mexico has the highest...
RC Willey is a credit institution that happens to sell furniture. Their ads...
All you geniuses. After five months, you expect the economy to turn around...
That is a great price tag for a PF/C with the tools that Okur offers. He...


You can be the first to comment on this story.