[BPt111]

New twist in Hartford bailout soap opera

“Hartford Mayor Bronin says if that's the case then they will have to consider bankruptcy for the Capitol City. There's now talk about taking another look at the plan to help the XL Center with upgrades.”

More buyer's remorse in Hartford bailout deal | Connecticut

[GoHuskies]

Originally Posted by BobNJ1960

disagree. Sales taxes are paid very little at a time. When I lived in TN, our rate was 9.75% and restaurant traffic was far higher than in Ct. Retail stores were busier, and I am at the Ct Post Mall often.

The reality is tons of what we spend on is sales tax free everywhere, mortgages, rents, gas, utilities. A family grossing 120k will likely pay 5-6k in Ct state income tax, but of their say 80k net pay, at most, $20k is spent on taxable stuff.

So the lower Ct sales tax saves them $680 annually (3.4%), while they pay $5k in state income tax. That means they pay $4,320 More vs a 9.75% sales tax, income tax free region.

Its hardly a coincidence the 8 tax free states pay , in total, far below average total income and sales taxes for virtually all income tax brackets.

Part of the problem with a high sales tax is Connecticut is a small state and a big chunk of the population lives within easy driving distance of a neighboring state.

[East of the River]

Originally Posted by GoHuskies

Part of the problem with a high sales tax is Connecticut is a small state and a big chunk of the population lives within easy driving distance of a neighboring state.

Bingo we have such small distance to borders the rate has to match our neighbors. That and basically you shift tax burden from rich to poor, which is a bit problematic.

[RunD1987]

Originally Posted by East of the River

Bingo we have such small distance to borders the rate has to match our neighbors. That and basically you shift tax burden from rich to poor, which is a bit problematic.

The tax burden is already high on the poor. It's unaffordable to live in CT due to taxes, gas cost, and cost of properties.

CT needs to lower tax burden by doing away with either income tax or sales tax or both. Lower gas cost by eliminating gas tax and replace with tax deductible tolls for in State residents/in State commuters. Lower property encourage newer and less expensive properties. Strive to lower cost of education so more people stay in CT then venture out and offer more educational opportunities in the State.

To ensure budget is stable add taxes on marijuana, liquor, beer, wine, and cigarettes. Offer more sales tax exemptions. Do away with car taxes and replace with a one time fee.

[East of the River]

Originally Posted by RunD1987

The tax burden is already high on the poor. It's unaffordable to live in CT due to taxes, gas cost, and cost of properties.

CT needs to lower tax burden by doing away with either income tax or sales tax or both. Lower gas cost by eliminating gas tax and replace with tax deductible tolls for in State residents/in State commuters. Lower property encourage newer and less expensive properties. Strive to lower cost of education so more people stay in CT then venture out and offer more educational opportunities in the State.

To ensure budget is stable add taxes on marijuana, liquor, beer, wine, and cigarettes. Offer more sales tax exemptions. Do away with car taxes and replace with a one time fee.

We literally can't cut what you said and still meet just our debt payment never mind keep state services up.

[BPt111]

Gov. Malloy Defends Long-Term Hartford Bailout - Hartford Courant

[BobNJ1960]

Originally Posted by GoHuskies

Part of the problem with a high sales tax is Connecticut is a small state and a big chunk of the population lives within easy driving distance of a neighboring state.

In Tn, also true. Few drive an extra 15 miles to say 3.75% on a $100 grocery bill. $3.75 not worth it. That gets consumed by 1.2 gallons of gas.

[JayCT]

According to the Pew Trust, Connecticut is third behind Washington DC and Virginia in per capita defense spending. This makes sense given out state's small size and the high number of defense industry companies. Jay

CT among highest states in Pentagon per-capita spending | HartfordBusiness.com

[BobNJ1960]

Originally Posted by RunD1987

The tax burden is already high on the poor. It's unaffordable to live in CT due to taxes, gas cost, and cost of properties.

CT needs to lower tax burden by doing away with either income tax or sales tax or both. .

[RunD1987]

Originally Posted by East of the River

We literally can't cut what you said and still meet just our debt payment never mind keep state services up.

It's not CT residents fault the State didn't manage their money better. State needs to find solutions and shift the burden away from its resident's. Furthermore the State shouldn't continue to place burden on healthcare facilities to foot the bill to help pay debt off nor continue to cut State services so thin that it affects CT residents.