Archives: Tax Reform / Articles
Archives: Tax Reform / Articles (page 19)
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Spending vs. Taxation: Does the Conservative Texas Budget Meet the Needs of Texans?
A child’s education is one of the many things that can’t get funded unless the state’s budget is passed, making passing a budget arguably the most important thing a legislator…
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State of the State: Arizona
As the states begin their 2016 legislative sessions, governors are beginning to outline their agendas with their state of the state addresses. These addresses provide a preview of the legislative…
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State Budget Solutions
Every year budgets are debated and voted upon somewhere across our nation. The timing of state budgets generally occurs during the summer months, since almost all states have a fiscal year that begins on July 1st. This is the single most important job for a state government to accomplish each year: prioritizing public priorities by allocating precious tax dollars amongst competing claims by lawmakers, special interests and citizens.
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The Worst Tax Policy Idea of 2015
Our nomination for the worst tax policy idea of 2015 goes to Alaska Governor Bill Walker for his proposal to reestablish the state’s personal income tax. This proposal would turn back the clock 35 years on economic development in the state and would cause significant harm to Alaska’s economic outlook. Alaska faces a $3.5 billion budget gap due to declining oil prices and years of overspending. While there may be tough choices ahead to put Alaska on the path back to balanced budgets and a healthy economy, a personal income tax will only add to the fiscal challenges for Alaska’s hardworking taxpayers.
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Whose Money is it, Anyway?
As a part of Congress’ recent scramble to pass a spending package, Representative Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) and others have spearheaded efforts to reignite interest in the Permanent Internet Tax Freedom…
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Jonathan Williams Talks Charitable Giving vs. Tax Scrooges with Heartland
Jonathan Williams, ALEC Vice President of the Center for State Fiscal Reform, got into the Christmas spirit of giving through a conversation about the ALEC report on how tax policy affects charitable giving with Jesse Hathaway, Managing…
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Congressman Chris Cox Talks Policy at ALEC Tax Academy
Former Congressman Chris Cox of California recently addressed attendees of the 2015 ALEC Tax and Fiscal Policy Academy. While participating in the Academy, the congressman sat down with ALEC leaders to discuss…
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Stopping Discriminatory Taxation of Internet Access
While the gridlock in Washington, D.C. continues to frustrate many Americans, federal policymakers have a golden opportunity to send hardworking American taxpayers an important victory during this holiday season. Congress…
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What’s So Right About Kansas?
Kansas native Bob Weeks hosted Jonathan Williams, Vice President of the Center for State Fiscal Reform at the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), on Voice for Liberty in Wichita to talk about…
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Jonathan Williams and Karla Jones Interviewed on I Spy Radio
Jonathan Williams, Vice President of the ALEC Center for State Fiscal Reform, spoke with Dr. Mark on I Spy Radio in Oregon about the continued trend of Americans moving to…
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Statement by the American Legislative Exchange Council on the Conclusion of TPP Negotiations
The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) applauds the efforts of the U.S. negotiating team that concluded the groundbreaking Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement and recognizes the hard work that went into…
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New Fiscal Year Resolutions for Washington, D.C.
As Washington, D.C. starts a new fiscal year, policymakers should look to the states for innovative budget reforms. States are taking the lead in reforming budgets and ensuring taxpayer dollars…
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Ben Wilterdink Testifies To Connecticut State Tax Panel
The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) has been following the progress of the Connecticut State Tax Panel, which develops recommendations on how to improve the state tax code in the wake of ongoing economic…
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Pope Francis is Right: Free Markets Serve the Common Good
On Thursday, Pope Francis delivered remarks to a joint session of Congress and urged for unity in his message. While left-leaning pundits have been quick to highlight comments from…
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New Models from the Energy, Environment and Agriculture Task Force
Earlier this summer, members of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) gathered in San Diego for the organization’s 42nd Annual Meeting. In addition to hearing from three…
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ALEC Releases New Report Examining the Effect of State Taxes on Charitable Giving
Charity is a crucial component of efforts to address societal challenges and help individuals thrive. From religious organizations to community charities, philanthropic donations drive the institutions of civil…
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Right-to-Work: A Pro-Growth Reform Opportunity in Missouri
This week, Missourians have a chance to see their business climate greatly improved by becoming the 26th Right-to-Work (RTW). Despite recent attempts to link Right-to-Work laws with racist conspiracies or…
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Volcker Alliance Calls For Greater Transparency and Integrity in State Budgeting
While 49 states have some kind of a balanced budget requirement, budget challenges are a stark reality for numerous states. When lawmakers use temporary fixes to…
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A Tough Labor Day for Unions
This Labor Day, as Americans are fitting in one last trip to the beach or holding backyard barbeques, labor unions are left with little to celebrate. Union membership in the…
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ALEC Honors Oklahoma Representative Randy McDaniel as 2015 Legislator of the Year
In 2014, Oklahoma policymakers took a bold step to secure the financial future for current and future state employees. Those leaders passed a reform package that transitioned the state…