Revenue raising: Putting tax package on the ballot would only affect last six months of biennium

Rep. Ross Hunter was asked about revenue raising measures.

“The House is going to obviously look at this. We’re going to do what we do every year, which is balance the budget … it does look to be very painful this year,” he said. He said it’s important to balance the impact of all the choices.

As for putting a tax measure on the ballot, he said it would only have an impact on the last six months of the biennium. If something is passed during the legislative session, it would have 15 months. Translation: If taxes are to be increased, it would likely be done by the Legislature, according to Hunter.

Sen. Joe Zarelli said this is a difficult situation and that it’s “very hard” for the majority party to put this budget together. “We’ve got to, I think, surgically take a look at the delivery models we have in many different programs,” he said. Whether it’s General Assistance Unemployable or voicemail, “we’ve got to look at whether there’s a better way, more efficient process.”

“The sooner we act, the better off we will be. I remind you all that, as of January, we have 18 months left in the biennium,” Zarelli said. Referring to the “bow wave” of budgeting, he said cuts made sooner will save the state more money — which means fewer cuts in the long run.

Tags: Revenue forecast, taxes