[Henry10]

TX, just like CT, and almost like any other states has a very serious fiscal problem -- unfunded liabilities, which basically means -- they don't have the money to pay for retirement and healthcare of public employees.

The difference between TX and CT is that TX can somehow hide or even better sustain this burden via:

A- economic growth.
B- population growth.

Without this, CT seems to be in a checkmate.

If not all, most states have been trying for quite some time to reform these liabilities -- without much success, due to political reasons. Such picture is not likely to change.

It's actually worse -- states like CT are spiraling into the abyss fiscally -- not enough people to tax, not enough business, more expensive debt to carry, then less services, which means less growth, which means less revenue, which means less services, which means less productive people, and so on.

"Circle the drain" has been picking up steam in CT.

[MrGompers]

TX and similar states also get more funding from the Federal Govt. Also, expanding cities or towns in TX can annex unincorporated areas to increase their tax base. CT doesn't have any unincorporated areas left.

[Raider111]

Originally Posted by Mike 75

I hear the "whats a few hundred in taxes" line quite a bit, yet no one seems to voluntarily pay more than they owe, whether it be on their income taxes or their property taxes.

We also hear the "then open the checkbook and voluntarily pay more taxes" line too.

[Raider111]

Originally Posted by GeoffD

Sure, but it's not a few hundred bucks.

Let's pick Justin Timberlake. Lives on 125 acres in a rural town south of Nashville with Jessica Biel who also makes big money. No state income tax so they're dodging the 13.3% California state income tax bracket. Forbes has him at $57 million in income so combined, they're likely avoiding almost $10 million in state income taxes. County property tax mill rate is $21.50. The land was $4 million and is mostly in a land trust taxed at a much lower rate. The house he lives in is $2.8 million. He might be paying $60K in property taxes and avoids $10 million in state income tax.

Justin and Jessica don't have real jobs, wake up at noon everyday, and can pick up and live wherever they want. That's a lot different than the schlep who has to get up at 5am and slog it to Manhattan everyday.
One is saving millions with a new primary address and can jet back to party in Hollywood at the drop of a hat.
The other has to take the 200 increase in taxes, b#$*ch about it a little, and get over it. Neither loses sleep however.

[Henry10]

Originally Posted by Raider111

Justin and Jessica don't have real jobs, wake up at noon everyday, and can pick up and live wherever they want. That's a lot different than the schlep who has to get up at 5am and slog it to Manhattan everyday.
One is saving millions with a new primary address and can jet back to party in Hollywood at the drop of a hat.
The other has to take the 200 increase in taxes, b#$*ch about it a little, and get over it. Neither loses sleep however.

Nobody is moving for $ 200 a year. However to pretend that I know better than e senior couple their own finances -- that's pretty delusional and condescending. And idiotic.

[BPt111]

Connecticut smaller neighbor to far east Rhode Island is phasing out bill to get rid of car taxes and first 2 years free for college tuition at state colleges probably got to live in Rhode Island for four year to five years for it work after graduation

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-sta...-cut-car-taxes

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-sta...ading-for-vote

[mdovell]

It can be argued that if a place doesn't attract people in their 20's or 30's it is much harder to do later. Whereas in the past school district quality was a big factor in values it isn't so much now with lower population growths, online, private and charter education.

Attracting retirees can be harder to distances to major hospitals and transit. Rural and suburban areas have a far harder time attracting them.

Too many places are trying to attract a middle say 40 to 65. It's hard to attract without jobs and that isn't easy by any means.

[East of the River]

Originally Posted by BPt111

Connecticut smaller neighbor to far east Rhode Island is phasing out bill to get rid of car taxes and first 2 years free for college tuition at state colleges probably got to live in Rhode Island for four year to five years for it work after graduation

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-sta...-cut-car-taxes

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-sta...ading-for-vote

That's interesting we do compete against Rhode island to some extent. (it's a big reason for no property taxes on boats). I have a customer who moved to RI from Mass for tax reasons (very wealthy guy).

If we ever fix our budget property tax reform would really need to be fixed going forward.

[RunD1987]

Originally Posted by BPt111

Connecticut smaller neighbor to far east Rhode Island is phasing out bill to get rid of car taxes and first 2 years free for college tuition at state colleges probably got to live in Rhode Island for four year to five years for it work after graduation

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-sta...-cut-car-taxes

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-sta...ading-for-vote

That's what I have been saying. Why live in CT outside of family. Our neighbors offer more amenities and tax burdens are less.

CT needs to adopt Counties and displace more responsibility on Counties. For four years the State would also allocate funds to help Cities in these Counties so doesn't become overwhelming financially for those in the County.

In switching to Counties the State replaces income tax with two flat Taxes. First flat tax is 2% tax to create an open healthcare market in the State, fund Medicare replacement adjustable health insurance, and universal health insurance for those 65 & older in the State. Second flat tax of 2% would be for tuition free community colleges. 50% for those taking 4 to 8 credits. 100% for those taking more than 8 credits. To be guaranteed 100% tuition have to be actively pursuing a major with collehe attending and agree to live/work in the State for 2 year's. In addition to, must complete the program unless warranted circumstance. If unable to complete the program or agree to stay in the State for 2 year's have to repay the State.

Legalize and tax marijuanna to help fund DMHAS. Provide universal mental health insurance for CT residebts at non-profit or Stats facilities.

Daycare vouchers that offer financial assistance for CT parents.

For CT bussineses a flat 2.5% Health tax, 2% Education Tax, and a .5% Environmental Tax. In addition to, a general 2% tax on businesses with more than 100 employees in the State.

Towns and Cities finance their own police/EMS/Fire service's. Counties finance the rest.

Make reforms to State wages and pensions.

Raise sales tax to 8%. Do away car tax for home owners. Do away with sales tax on boats and motor vehicles.

[East of the River]

Originally Posted by RunD1987

That's what I have been saying. Why live in CT outside of family. Our neighbors offer more amenities and tax burdens are less.

CT needs to adopt Counties and displace more responsibility on Counties. For four years the State would also allocate funds to help Cities in these Counties so doesn't become overwhelming financially for those in the County.

In switching to Counties the State replaces income tax with two flat Taxes. First flat tax is 2% tax to create an open healthcare market in the State, fund Medicare replacement adjustable health insurance, and universal health insurance for those 65 & older in the State. Second flat tax of 2% would be for tuition free community colleges. 50% for those taking 4 to 8 credits. 100% for those taking more than 8 credits. To be guaranteed 100% tuition have to be actively pursuing a major with collehe attending and agree to live/work in the State for 2 year's. In addition to, must complete the program unless warranted circumstance. If unable to complete the program or agree to stay in the State for 2 year's have to repay the State.

Legalize and tax marijuanna to help fund DMHAS. Provide universal mental health insurance for CT residebts at non-profit or Stats facilities.

Daycare vouchers that offer financial assistance for CT parents.

For CT bussineses a flat 2.5% Health tax, 2% Education Tax, and a .5% Environmental Tax. In addition to, a general 2% tax on businesses with more than 100 employees in the State.

Towns and Cities finance their own police/EMS/Fire service's. Counties finance the rest.

Make reforms to State wages and pensions.

Raise sales tax to 8%. Do away car tax for home owners. Do away with sales tax on boats and motor vehicles.

The current federal administration seems to not take kindly to marijuana, so I expect were going to see a severe slowdown in new laws about that. Apparently Jeff Sessions is looking for congressional approval to start going after medical marijuana even in states where it is legal.