Joe Visconti on Tax Reform

Phase out sales tax, then tackle income and corporate tax

Joe offers the following creative solutions to these problems while recognizing that the state still needs tax revenue to fund present obligations:
• Phase out the sales tax on goods over 7 years, indexed and tied to GDP. While residents of surrounding states face sales tax rates as high as 8.875%, an elimination of sales tax on goods in Connecticut will increase sales from out of state consumers, commuters, and tourists. This leads to business expansion, and increased corporate and small business revenue. With the retention and expansion of business without taxpayer subsidy, Connecticut will be positioned economically to be able to then tackle income and corporate tax.
• Phase a reduction of the gasoline tax.
• Reduce government spending through a hiring freeze, a spending freeze, and opting out of many nonessential federal programs

Phase out the estate tax for individuals