[Matrix2791]

Originally Posted by RunD1987

I wouldn't mind if taxes were raised. Areas like property tax, gas tax, and income tax need to be address possibly lowered, reformed, or done away with. Also State spending needs to be curtailed. Reform to State wages. More State employee contribution to pensions/retirement funds and health benefits.

Two huge tax increases and the State is still in debt......... What makes you think raising some taxes will bring in more revenue? It's not working.

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by Matrix2791

Two huge tax increases and the State is still in debt......... What makes you think raising some taxes will bring in more revenue? It's not working.

Exactly.

[RunD1987]

Originally Posted by Matrix2791

Two huge tax increases and the State is still in debt......... What makes you think raising some taxes will bring in more revenue? It's not working.

I be okay if sales tax was raised to 8% to 10%. Do away with sales tax on prepared and packaged food/beverages. A flat income tax of 7% to 8% and income taxed is income collected after $30,000. Land value tax in lieu of property tax in cities in CT with more than 80,000 people. A flat low rate car sales tax. Also option of paying upfront car tax on recently purchased vehicles. Offer home owners a break by not having to only pay property tax not car tax. Cap mill rates at 55 Statewide. Flat business tax of 8% with an additional 2% for businesses with 100 or more employees. Lower gas tax to 25 cents or lower. Add electronic tolls and EZ-Pass to highways.

[hvexpatinct]

Originally Posted by Matrix2791

Cut a few benefits here there????? It's still much better than the private sector.

Seriously. The magnitude of the benefits offered state employees here is shockingly different from the private sector. We can't support this any more. I'd rather see a salary increase on the front end and parity with the marketplace on fringe benefits. No state employee has to worry about stuffing $50K/ year into various retirement vehicles or coming up with a $4,000 deductible on healthcare.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by Matrix2791

Stop with the democrat talking points. Cut a few benefits here there????? It's still much better than the private sector.

Uhhh... I am a Republican so these points have nothing to do with politics. They are facts. Jay

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by JayCT

Uhhh... I am a Republican so these points have nothing to do with politics. They are facts. Jay

Lol, sorry Jay but I hate to tell you, based on your posts here, you're not even close to being a Republican.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by kidyankee764

Lol, sorry Jay but I hate to tell you, based on your posts here, you're not even close to being a Republican.

Just because I support some social programs and do not blindly follow the ultra right conservative agenda that the a Republican Party promotes these days does not mean I do not believe their original core values. I think even a Ronald Reagan would be appalled at how right the party has gone and how controlled by big business it has become. Also, many mistake my pointing out both sides of issues as supporting one side or the other. The fact is that many of my posts do not actually reflect where I stand on the issues.

That said, if the dining tax prevents raising other taxes like taxes on businesses and helps the cities and towns that implement them, I would not be against it. A city like Hartford or Bridgeport would benefit from it so why not. I doubt many people would avoid dining there just because the tax is one percent more. On the other hand I do not agree with the part of the proposal that raises the sales tax. That is a non starter IMHO. Is that Republican enough for you? Jay

[in_newengland]

The state should try the E-Z pass on the highways. There must have been a huge loss of revenue when they took away tolls. But the tolls were removed because of a horrible pile up at a toll booth. E-Z pass doesn't require toll booths--problem solved. You just have the pass on your windshield and drive right on through without even slowing down. It's recorded electronically. That's what Mass has on the Mass Pike.

How many people use CT just to pass through from the Mass Pike to NYC? They're paying to use the Mass Pike but once they get onto I-84, it's FREEEEEEE! For out of staters who don't have the E-Z pass, the state sends them a bill based upon a camera shot of their license plate. It's a money maker.

[jxzz]

Originally Posted by in_newengland

The state should try the E-Z pass on the highways. There must have been a huge loss of revenue when they took away tolls. But the tolls were removed because of a horrible pile up at a toll booth. E-Z pass doesn't require toll booths--problem solved. You just have the pass on your windshield and drive right on through without even slowing down. It's recorded electronically. That's what Mass has on the Mass Pike.

How many people use CT just to pass through from the Mass Pike to NYC? They're paying to use the Mass Pike but once they get onto I-84, it's FREEEEEEE! For out of staters who don't have the E-Z pass, the state sends them a bill based upon a camera shot of their license plate. It's a money maker.

Exactly. E-Z pass now is all automated with very little human involved. CT lost huge revenue and profit on this without E-Z pass. Now NYC bridges actually does it without any E-Z waiting, drive through as if no tolls and camera will handle that with E-Z or without E-Z pass cars.

[Stylo]

It is crazy to me that tolls haven't been installed. The number of out of state plates on 95 on the weekend is staggering. All getting a free ride.