[68vette]

I'm surprised this wasn't talked about yet. Taxes. I just saw the report in the news this morning.

[sugarmaple]

68Vette, thanks for raising this issue - I watched this on the news last night and was really surprised, frankly, unpleasantly surprised too! I still thought CT was higher -- although w/in the top 7.

Yikes!

[harry chickpea]

$3800 in state taxes - on TOP of Federal taxes?? On the wages paid up there? Ouch!! Even with sales tax on food, I doubt the average Joe pays a quarter of that figure in Alabama - total.

[68vette]

Originally Posted by sugarmaple

68Vette, thanks for raising this issue - I watched this on the news last night and was really surprised, frankly, unpleasantly surprised too! I still thought CT was higher -- although w/in the top 7.

Yikes!

We all know NJ and CT are up there in taxes, but not only do they pay less (now), they also have a median income of $66,000-67,000/yr.

[sugarmaple]

It is certainly is an ouch! And, it appears, even with some of the funding/grants for the wonderful range of services Vermont provides to people there are cut backs in those arenas.

Hmm, wonder how else one can protect services and at the same time, produce additional revenue that can help defray / lower taxes.

I guess that is what the great minds in Montpelier try to determine.

[arctichomesteader]

Well our legislature ignores the 900 pound gorilla in the room: education spending. We spend more than other states but aren't exactly getting our money's worth out of it. The NEA has a stranglehold here.

[sugarmaple]

Personally, one of the mechanisms that I think should be used more and more, is the restitution law in VT -- although I understand some judges and prosecutors enforce it, I think there are others who, for whatever reasons, do not and/or not to the fullest extent that it can be utilized.

Certainly, in theory at least, why not, depending upon the crime, mandate restitution and whether it all go to the victim [whether a business or a person] some of the proceeds can go to say a rape crisis center or a domestic violence agency, or towards an agency that oversees parent/child supervision visits. All are very very important social welfare oriented agencies and organizations -- and rely heavily on funding / grants - so.....if, for example, there is a injury to minor case, in addition to whatever sentencing / probation requirements, additional restitution goes to an agency that could help / is earmarked for that specific issue;

And, depending upon the case, and let's say there is negotiating for a plea agreement, why not incorporate a restitution fine as part of that plea agreement and have it used for an agency that could be associated with that crime.... let's say first time drug offender [not necessarily talking about distributing] but restitution to go to rehab agency.

Perhaps I am being too neat about it - I just think there are additional avenues to explore aside from simply paying taxes on... and a way of making sure agencies and organizations that are so important are not without funding.

[Why_Am_I_Here]

Seems the story has been removed from their site....

[MRVphotog]

Just to clarify on the comment " sales tax for food ", it's not a sales tax but a high Room and Meals Tax. There is no sales tax for food you by in the grovery store unless it is prepared food you get if the store has a deli. On the positive side Vermont removed the sales tax on clothes about 5 years ago, always surprised that many Vermonters are still not aware of this.

[AmILost]

The education tax is huge. Besides that, Vermont has a lot of social services, and a very small tax base. These social programs have both a fixed cost and a cost that varies based on the number of people who utilize the service. Because there is only a small number of taxpayers to pay these fixed costs, the tax burden per taxpayer is higher.

I'm new to Vermont, and I hate the high taxes. I will not be staying here, and the taxes are a huge part of that decision. I am sure many of you will be glad to be rid of another "flatlander". But remember, as the number of tax payers grows smaller, the remaining Vermonters will pay even higher taxes to support the burden that was supported by those who left.