2001 Governor's State of the State speeches: on Tax Reform
Bob Wise:
Top-to-bottom review of business taxes & regulations
I will conduct a complete top-to-bottom review of the various tax incentives that have been developed for business over the past several decades. We need to see which ones work, and strengthen them; we need to see if any are ineffective,
and direct those resources elsewhere. And we need to study the tax incentives available in other states and countries and see where we can be more competitive. We will remove obstacles in state government to business start-ups.
We will provide one-stop shopping -available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on the Internet - to entrepreneurs who want to do business in West Virginia. Most new businesses are started by people who already have a day job - and can’t afford to take
time off to stand in lines at state offices.
I am also ordering a review of the state’s regulatory rules and practices. Regulation is important, and can be a shield against unfair practices - if it is effective, and if it is not burdensome.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to West Virginia Legislature
Feb 14, 2001
Lincoln Almond:
Eliminate the capital gains tax
I am proposing that we eliminate the capital gains tax. This tax affects a large number of Rhode Islanders. We want to encourage residents to stay in Rhode Island while investing and saving for their future.
We want companies here and outside of Rhode Island to invest in our state. That’s why we must make the capital gains tax a thing of the past.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Rhode Island Legislature
Feb 7, 2001
Frank Keating:
Government spending is not the government’s money
We understand that the money we spend here is not our money. It belongs to the men and women of our state who earn it day-by-day, hour-by-hour, for the purpose of putting their children through school,
permitting themselves to have a safe and secure retirement. This year we will have a significant surplus to spend or to give back in the nature of tax cuts. But look what we’ve done in the course of the last five years -- nearly six years now.
We have made significant progress in giving back some of the money to the people. We enacted the largest tax cut ever in state’s history. We cut the income tax from seven percent to six-and-three-quarters percent.
And, no great surprise, because we are permitting more Oklahomans to keep more of their money, our state is more prosperous than ever before.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to Oklahoma legislature
Feb 5, 2001
Frank Keating:
Lower state income tax rate from 6.75% to 3.75%
We have analyzed what has held us back, and one of those reasons is we tax everything. Oklahoma’s high marginal income tax rate chills savings and investment and it is at the same rate as the capital gains tax. So if you have a small business in
Oklahoma, you will leave the state to sell it and we will lose you, your productivity, your investment and your genius forever. That is unacceptable. I propose to cut the state income tax by half a point and to continue that half point cut over the
next six years. This will lower Oklahoma’s rate to 3.75%, which is lower than all of our neighbors, except Texas. Oklahoma’s current high marginal rate of 6.75% is a scandal. It is higher than Kansas, higher than Missouri, higher than Colorado. And, of
course, it is higher than Texas that has no tax at all. With a top rate kicking in at $10,000 for a single person, it is far more punitive to our lower income residents than even the tax systems of Arkansas and New Mexico. It’s time to lower it.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to Oklahoma legislature
Feb 5, 2001
Frank Keating:
Reduce and ultimately abolish the estate tax
We have talked about the estate tax and we have worked around the edges, but we haven’t done what we have to do. To save Oklahoma’s family farms and businesses, we need to become a federal pick up state and slowly,
but ever so surely, reduce and ultimately abolish the estate tax. It is a non-budget item; we can do it this year.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to Oklahoma legislature
Feb 5, 2001
John Engler:
Exempt new high-tech sectors from state business tax
Our goal is to see Michigan in the forefront of basic research for life-saving and life-improving technologies and treatments. Last year, we took an important step into the Next Michigan with a $1 billion commitment to research.
Your work has attracted attention across the nation. We want to strengthen further our foothold in these emerging fields - life sciences, micro-systems and information technology.
With the proper tax and regulatory climate and the right education and legal strategies, investment and job creation potential in these sectors is enormous.
So I propose a Next Michigan action plan to encourage these new companies to make our state their home. Let’s put out the welcome mat and exempt them from Michigan’s state business tax.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Michigan legislature
Jan 31, 2001
John Engler:
Has cut and will continue to cut personal & business tax
In Michigan, reductions in personal income taxes and business taxes will take place as scheduled. And unemployment taxes are being cut again. Make no mistake, we begin this decade as we ended the 1990s, by cutting taxes.
When I took office, Michigan’s personal income tax rate was 4.6 percent, while the Single Business Tax was 2.35 percent. By the time we gather next January, multi-year tax cuts approved in 1998 and 1999 will have dropped Michigan’s
flat rate income tax to 4.1 percent and our business tax to 1.9 percent, saving families and job providers an additional $350 million.
By 2004, the personal income tax rate will be down to 3.9 percent, the lowest rate since 1971. In addition, the SBT continues its phased reduction at the rate of 0.1 percent per year.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Michigan legislature
Jan 31, 2001
John Engler:
Strengthen Taxpayer Bill of Rights
Just as taxpayers have a right to keep more of their money, they have a right to be treated fairly. Tonight, I urge you to strengthen our Taxpayer Bill of Rights by assuring homestead exemptions are received by those entitled to them,
by requiring Boards of Review to provide residential property taxpayers with written explanations of decisions, and by easing electronic filing requirements.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Michigan legislature
Jan 31, 2001
Tommy Thompson:
Cut taxes 91 times in Wisconsin, totaling $16.7 billion
We cut taxes in the very first budget and haven’t stopped since. We cut taxes 91 times totaling $16.7 billion. These cuts saved the average Wisconsin family $8,400. And they infused new money into the economy to help stimulate growth and prosperity.
And tonight, the state’s national tax ranking has fallen to ninth in the nation. And when the cuts we enacted for years 2000 and 2001 are factored into the equation, we can say with confidence that Wisconsin is finally out of the top 10 states.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address
Jan 31, 2001
Bob Holden:
$2B in tax relief in last 6 years; now tighten our belts
Missourians are enjoying unprecedented tax relief. In total, the combination of tax cuts, tax credits, and tax refunds have returned almost $2 billion to Missouri taxpayers during the past six years. However, the combination of a slowing
economy, deep tax cuts, and unexpected mandatory expenses have put stress on our state budget. Therefore, the first priority of this legislative session must be to tighten our belts and deliver a balanced budget.
Source: 2001 State of the State speech in Missouri House Chambers
Jan 30, 2001
Judy Martz:
No tax increase without voter referendum
I want to be crystal clear. I promised the people of Montana that I would not support a tax increase. I will keep my word. If the people of Montana want tax increases, I’ll respect their decision made in voting booth -- but I will not sign a general tax
increase. Period. We must lower the top marginal tax rates that are bad for business. We must eliminate income taxes for the hardworking Montanans on the lowest rung of the economic ladder. The business equipment tax must be eliminated.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Montana Legislature
Jan 25, 2001
Bob Taft:
3-year tax holiday for high-tech start-ups
We must make Ohio a more attractive place to launch a high-tech firm. While most high-tech start-ups don’t turn a profit in their early years, they often owe a significant net worth tax.
So today, I’m proposing that new high-tech firms be exempted from that tax during their first three years of operation. Let’s give start-ups a fighting chance to succeed!
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Ohio Legislature
Jan 24, 2001
Kenny Guinn:
Nevada needs new revenue, but now is no time for new taxes
During this past year, I have made no secret of my belief that Nevada must explore new revenue streams and establish a broader economic base, so that we can provide a good education to our children, adequate health care to our families and seniors,
and safety for all our citizens. As a result, many speculated that I would be forced to raise taxes. Indeed, the state’s expenditure and long-range revenue projections show that, without changes, Nevada will face a tremendous shortfall within 8 years.
I believe, however, that, with the potential slowing of the national economy, now is not a time for new taxes, and my budget does not contain a single tax increase. Now is a time for moderation and restraint.
I have long believed that state government cannot and should not be all things to all people. There are some things, however, that only the state can do -- educate our children, care for our seniors, and protect the disadvantaged.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to the Nevada Legislature
Jan 22, 2001
Mike Johanns:
$60M in property tax relief over next two years
Keeping true to my pledge of providing direct property tax relief, I am asking the Legislature to approve $60 million dollars over the next two years for property tax relief through the State’s community colleges.
We have funded this method of providing direct property tax relief in each of the last two years. It has been successful and we should continue this effort.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Nebraska Legislature
Jan 11, 2001
William Owens:
Has cut income taxes, sales tax, & marriage penalty
Coloradans today are paying nearly a billion dollars less in taxes annually than they were two years ago. We have permanently cut the income tax rate - twice - while also permanently lowering the sales tax rate. These cuts of the income and sales
taxes accounted for 86% of the permanent tax relief taxpayers received from their legislature and their governor.In addition, we have eliminated the marriage penalty, lowered vehicle registration fees, increased the elderly pension exclusion,
and provided an income tax credit for long-term care insurance - all while we have twice increased the earned income tax credit for low-income Coloradans.
This tax relief was broad-based, fair, and good for all Coloradans.
I worked hard for this tax relief because I firmly believe that this is the people’s money. They earned it. We did not. Coloradans should be given the opportunity to save, invest or spend those dollars, because it is their money - not ours.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Colorado legislature
Jan 11, 2001
Jim Geringer:
One-year 1/2% reduction in sales tax
The Governor [can] order a one-hlaf percent reduction in sales and use taxes if general fund balances meet certain criteria. The reduction would be only for one year, and even though it might make sales tax accounting for our retailers difficult,
it would put some $80M back in the pockets of the people who have earned the money. I will support a reduction in the sales tax if the Legislature leaves the required balance of $35 million in the General Fund.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Wyoming Legislature
Jan 10, 2001
Jim Gilmore:
End the Car Tax
We have already met the conditions to proceed with the next phase of the car tax cut with a 70% reduction. Because the money is already in the budget, any bill that would halt the car tax cut I believe would amount to a tax increase.
Any bill that would cut the car tax less than 70% would also amount to a tax increase, in my judgement. The car tax cut is about people and principle. The car tax may not be a heavy burden to some Virginians. But many Virginians, one or two hundred
dollars makes a real difference in their lives.
[And] the principle: People have grown cynical about government. We overwhelmingly enacted this together and most of us have campaigned on it. Together, let’s keep the trust of the people. I ask you to
support the car tax cut not only because it was a campaign promise, but also because it makes a real difference in the lives of the people we serve. Even though our budget may be tight, I ask you to make the people and their priorities your priority.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to VA General Assembly
Jan 10, 2001
Mike Huckabee:
Remove the poorest taxpayers from the tax rolls
When we cut the tax burden for Arkansas families, we eliminated 40,000 families from the tax rolls. Not the richest but the poorest were eliminated from the tax rolls.
By indexing for inflation and cutting out the marriage penalty, we gave Arkansans the best boost they have ever had.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to the Arkansas legislature
Jan 9, 2001
Dirk Kempthorne:
Return $140M of surplus to taxpayers
We have created a positive atmosphere that has generated a surplus. My budget package recognizes where this money came from in the first place. And that’s the hard-working Idahoans who pay taxes. Therefore, I will recommend tax relief in the amount
of $140 million. A portion of that is permanent. A portion of that is one-time. And just as we did this year, if the surplus continues, we can continue to provide significant tax relief next year. In that $140 million, the categories of tax relief
will be individual income tax, corporate tax, investment tax credit enhancements and broadband connectivity geared toward our rural areas. There will be an increase for senior citizens in the grocery tax credit, and I am recommending
that for young families that the childcare tax deduction become a tax credit, and an increase in the allowance on elderly dependent care. We will have for the first time research and development tax credits. It is a well-rounded, inclusive program.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to the Idaho legislature
Jan 8, 2001
Jane Dee Hull:
$80 million in tax cuts, to make it 10 years in a row
Prudent tax cutting empowers our citizens and limits government growth, both of which improve Arizona. Arizonans have enjoyed some form of legislatively-enacted tax cuts for nine years in a row, something that can be said by no other state. Today, I am
asking you to extend that streak. My budget includes $40 million in selective tax cuts targeted to help the economy, and another $40 million in cuts through truth in taxation provisions. That’s a total of $80 million over the next two years.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to the Arizona legislature
Jan 8, 2001
Parris Glendening:
Cut 28 taxes & returned $2.6B to taxpayers
But the people of Maryland were concerned [when my term began] as they faced low job growth, made worse by the mis-perception of Maryland as a high-tax state. Today Maryland has one of the nation’s strongest economies: unemployment is near an all-time
low; we have the highest family income in the nation; we have one of the lowest overall poverty rates in the country. And--at the same time--we cut 28 taxes, returning nearly $2.6 billion to taxpayers, including the first Income Tax cut in 30 years.
Source: 2001 State of the State speech to Maryland legislature
Jan 8, 2001
Jesse Ventura:
Property tax needs to be smaller, simpler, fairer
The property tax puts an unfairly high burden on businesses and rental housing, which hurts our competitiveness and creates economic development barriers. Many question the basic fairness of the property tax as a way to pay for government. How much
does the value of a property have to do with how much it costs government to serve it, or the ability of the owner to pay the tax? The property tax needs to be reformed so it is smaller, simpler, fairer, and more truly a local tax, and we can do it.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Minnesota Legislature
Jan 4, 2001
Jesse Ventura:
Across the board reduction in state income tax rates
We have the 10th highest top rate and the third highest starting rate in the nation. Those high income tax rates also make it harder to attract and keep skilled workers in our state, the very people we need if our economy is to continue to grow.
I will propose an across the board reduction in state income tax rates that will reach .5% in all three brackets, and I will propose increases in the Working Family Credit to ensure that work is rewarded at all income levels in our state.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Minnesota Legislature
Jan 4, 2001
Jesse Ventura:
Find a way for state taxes to be collected on ecommerce
The growth of ecommerce, while essential for economic growth, causes a growing tax loss because sellers from outside Minnesota don't collect our sales tax and put our Minnesota retailers at a competitive disadvantage. We must find a way to create a
way for out of state sellers to charge and collect our sales tax, just as our in state businesses must. If we don't, more of the tax burden will be shifted to those who find themselves on the wrong side of the "digital divide" and that's not fair.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Minnesota Legislature
Jan 4, 2001
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