There was some good news in the Governor’s budget message; he has accepted the fact that Connecticut needs a progressive income tax.  Connecticut’s current tax rate is 5% for all joint filers earning less then $1 million and 6.5% for those joint filers who earn over $1 million.  The Governor’s proposal would create 8 rates ranging from 3% to 6.75%. 

The Green Party Platform supports fairness, and taxation based on the tax payer’s ability to pay.  The Governor’s tax plan moves us in that direction, although he could go even further.  The Better Choices Coalition has proposed an earned income tax credit for the poorest 20% of the states population, and then tax rates for joint filers beginning at 5% for up to $150,000 in earnings, 5.5% on income between $150,000 and $200,000, 6% on income from $200,000 to $500,000, 7% on income from $500,000 to 1 million, 8.5% on income from $1 million to $2 million, 8.95% on income over $2 million.  The Better Choices plan would generate $855 million in new revenue while maintaining rates below New York and New Jersey.

This is a difficult budget year.  It will not be easy to maintain essential services but causing everyone to bear the tax burden equally is a good way to start the discussion.

Jerry Martin

Co-Chair, New Haven Green Party