Anti-Taxpayer Group Sings Same Old Song

Anti-Taxpayer Group Sings Same Old Song
Template of Opposition Offers Nothing New to Conversation

 

Bismarck, N.D. – The North Dakota chapter of Americans for Prosperity today released the following statement in response to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities' opposition to providing tax relief to the people of our state:   

“Measure #2 will allow $415 million to remain in the hands of North Dakota's hard-working families in the next two years,” state policy director Dustin Gawrylow said.  “This group is just singing the same old class warfare song that we hear from those in favor of perpetual tax revenue growth. They brazenly claim that letting people keep more of their own money is somehow a bad thing.  In fact, just a quick check of their website shows that this liberal group has never met a tax hike it didn't love.”

Last month, Measure #2 was approved for the November 4th, 2008 ballot.  If approved by the voters, the measure would reduce the state individual income tax rates by 50% and the state corporate income tax rates by 15%. 

“This coalition of special interest groups opposing Measure #2 can bring in, and add, as many new members to its coalition as it wants, it won’t change the fact that letting people keep more of their own money is a good thing,” Gawrylow continued.  “This tax cut is sustainable and beneficial to the North Dakota economy.”

State Income Tax Collections

(in millions $)

 

Individual

Corporate

Projected Total

Total After

Measure #2

2001-03

396.2

88.4

484.6

 

2003-05

452.5

128

580.5

 

2005-07

587.7

232.3

820

 

 2007-09*

704

265.3

969.3

853.3

 2009-11*

758.9

265.6

1024.5

605.2

*based on August 4th, 2008 OMB Projections: combined income tax revenue will have more than doubled from 2001 to 2011.

It is important to note, once again, that income tax revenue has doubled since 2001.  According to the Office of Budget and Management, the state would still have more income revenue than it did during the 2003-05 budget cycle.

“These special interest groups are only trying to scare their own members.  Public officials in this state are constantly talking about how their economic development programs have led to this economy, and the increased personal income, if these programs have created an elevated and sustained economy as they claim, there shouldn’t be any problems even in the extended future,” said Gawrylow.  “This tax cut will help everyone: married, single, rich, poor, blue collar, white collar, whether they afford property or not.  So long as have earned, taxable income within the state of North Dakota, they will benefit and the economy as a whole will benefit.”

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