2021 Governor's State of the State speeches: on Tax Reform
John Bel Edwards:
We can make tax reforms but they must be revenue neutral
Since 2016, we have made great strides in stabilizing Louisiana's budget, and our efforts are paying off. But remember, in four years--two more fiscal sessions from now--the .45 percent of sales tax rolls off. We already have one of the lowest
combined tax burdens in the country. So while we can and should make reforms, they must be revenue neutral. No one wants to go back to the fiscal mess that I inherited. And I won't let that happen.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to Louisiana legislature
Apr 12, 2021
J.B. Pritzker:
Cut corporate loopholes forcing middle class to pay more
This will be one of the most challenging budgets this government has ever had to craft, but I know there are willing partners in the General Assembly.
In addition to the budget committee, I've spoken with members and committee chairs of the General Assembly, and incorporated their ideas, like cutting corporate loopholes that force the middle class to pay more.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Illinois legislature
Feb 17, 2021
Jared Polis:
Get rid of special interest tax breaks for the few
We have worked together to make Colorado's tax code more fair by getting rid of special interest tax breaks that benefit the few to lower taxes for the rest of us. This year I propose we eliminate the business personal property tax for small businesses.
I propose we double the Earned Income Tax Credit, and provide up to $600 in tax credits per child for nearly 200,000 families in our state through the Colorado Child Tax Credit. I propose that we stop taxing seniors' Social Security Benefits.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Colorado legislature
Feb 17, 2021
Chris Sununu:
Managed to mitigate worst of pandemic without raising taxes
Because of good management, which frankly New Hampshire set the gold standard, our budget shortfall to end the biennium is now projected to be less than $50 million. Unlike other States across the Country, which are now raising taxes on businesses,
taxing out-of-state workers, or enacting these draconian budget cuts that we hear about just to cover those massive deficits, here, in New Hampshire, we managed to mitigate the worst financial impacts of the pandemic without raising taxes.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address: New Hampshire legislature
Feb 11, 2021
Jim Justice:
Repeal income tax; increase sales tax 1 «%, add wealth tax
I am asking all of you to join me to repeal the income tax in the State of West Virginia. We're going to have to raise sales taxes by one and a half percent. We need to look at putting an additional tax on cigarettes and soda.
We need to bring into taxation our professional services as well. And then you need to have a wealth tax, a tax on those that are very, very, well to do, that can pay just pay just a little bit extra.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to West Virginia legislature
Feb 10, 2021
Larry Hogan:
$1 billion+ in tax cuts for every single retired Marylander
Lifelong Marylanders are moving to other states for one reason: our state's sky-high retirement taxes. We cannot let this keep happening. So once again, we are proposing more than $1 billion in tax cuts for every single retired Marylander,
which will help keep tens of thousands of Marylanders from fleeing our state. Now more than ever, Marylanders need to be able to keep more of their hard-earned money in their own pockets.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Maryland legislature
Feb 3, 2021
Larry Hogan:
Not a single tax increase since I was elected governor
In spite of the national economic distress, for the seventh consecutive year, our FY 2022 Maryland budget is 100% structurally balanced with absolutely no tax increases, with no layoffs or furloughs of our hardworking state employees and without cutting
any essential services for Maryland citizens. Maryland has not had a single tax increase since I was elected governor.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Maryland legislature
Feb 3, 2021
Tom Wolf:
Tax cuts for working families earning less than $84,000
We're going to stop asking working families to pay the same tax rate my family does. I want to help working families get ahead by reducing their taxes. If you could go back in time and give your younger self just a little bit more help, wouldn't
you do it? And that's exactly what I'm proposing we do for young families across our Commonwealth. If you're married with two kids, and you earn less than $84,000 a year, I suggest we give you a tax cut.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to Pennsylvania legislature
Feb 3, 2021
Kay Ivey:
Online sales tax means no need for raising income tax
Thanks to the online sales tax that was implemented in 2017, our state's receipts remain in the black despite an extremely challenging year for retail.
And instead of talking about raising taxes, one of the first bills I want the Legislature to pass is a measure that will ensure everyone who received CARES Act dollars will not pay one penny in state income taxes on that relief.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Alabama legislature
Feb 2, 2021
Greg Gianforte:
Lowering top tax rate will make Montana more competitive
Montana taxpayers with at least $18,500 of taxable income pay our top income tax rate. More than half of Montana taxpayers pay that top rate of 6.9%. Our high rate drives away too many businesses that may want to locate in Montana.
We must lower our top personal income tax rate, and that's what I've proposed in my budget. Not only will the majority of Montana income taxpayers see relief, but also Montana will become more competitive.
To reduce the burden on our small businesses, my budget calls for reforming the business equipment tax by exempting business equipment valued up to $200,000, boosting the exemption by 100%.
The BIG Jobs Act, or Business Investment Grows Jobs Act, eliminates the business equipment tax burden for 4,000 Montana small business owners.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Montana legislature
Jan 28, 2021
Mike Dunleavy:
Any new broad-base tax must be approved by Alaska people
Creating generational opportunities starts with getting our fiscal house in order. First, we must implement a spending cap that works--that causes government to pass budgets it can afford. Second, any new, broad-based tax must be approved by the Alaskan
people. We must ensure the people are partners in any taxation and spending plan going forward. Finally, we must guarantee there is a dividend for future generations and that the Earnings Reserve and integrity of the fund is protected forever.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Alaska legislature
Jan 28, 2021
Mike Parson:
For lower taxes, but online retailers hurt local business
I hope the House and Senate will consider legislation to address the unfair advantage online retailers have over small businesses in Missouri. I am a strong supporter of lower taxes--in fact, I have signed several tax cuts into law.
However, our small businesses, especially in smaller communities, are getting crushed because they cannot compete with huge online retailers. We must level that playing field.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Michigan legislature
Jan 27, 2021
Tate Reeves:
We need a bold move: elimination of the income tax
I believe that in order to fully capture the potential of this historic moment, we must think big. We need a bold move. This is the time for an action that will turn heads all across the country and get money and people flowing in.
And I believe that move is the elimination of the income tax. It is a reward for our hard workers, and an incentive for others to invest here, to grow here, and to live here.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to Mississippi legislature
Jan 26, 2021
Tony Evers:
Incentivize in-state pharmaceutical, medical equipment
I was proud to work alongside both legislative chambers to support the passage of a PPE tax credit to incentivize in-state production and ensure that we aren't forced to rely on anyone but our own Georgia Made entrepreneurs for critical supplies.
I am proposing a natural next step to the PPE Tax Credit by expanding the letter of the law to cover pharmaceutical and medical equipment manufacturers. We cannot waste time in bidding wars with other states or foreign adversaries.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to Georgia legislature
Jan 14, 2021
Henry McMaster:
15% across-the-board reduction for all personal brackets
Reducing the tax burden on people and businesses continues to be one of the most important ways South Carolina can lay a foundation for future growth. South Carolina's marginal tax rate of 7% is the highest in the southeast and the 11th highest in the
nation. I propose that we cut our state's personal income taxes through a phased-in five-year 15% across-the-board tax reduction for all personal income brackets, keeping us competitive with our neighboring states.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address: South Carolina legislature
Jan 13, 2021
Asa Hutchinson:
Lower tax rate for new residents to 4.9% for five years
To pay for tax cuts, we need to continue to grow our economy and bring people to Arkansas. If we can lower our tax rate for new residents to 4.9% for five years, then we will attract new Arkansans who will create jobs, spend money, and pay taxes.
And it sets a goal for us as well to lower our tax rate in a similar way for all citizens. And if we don't get there, the tax break for new residents will sunset.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Arkansas legislature
Jan 12, 2021
Jay Inslee:
Reduce increases in unemployment tax
We want community-minded entrepreneurs to continue to pursue their dreams in this new world, and we're going to keep helping them. It's why I want to reduce increases in the unemployment tax on businesses that never foresaw the mass layoffs
that came with this pandemic, while fighting the federal government for more funds and working with the Legislature early to get more money into people's pockets.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to Washington legislature
Jan 12, 2021
Kim Reynolds:
We need to continue the conversation about cutting taxes
Unlike many states we're starting from a good financial position. We aren't looking at tough budget cuts and we're certainly not looking at raising taxes. If anything, we need to continue the conversation about cutting taxes, and we can start by getting
rid of the unnecessary triggers that were put in place in 2018. Let's make Iowa more competitive and guarantee our taxpayers that they can keep more of their hard earned money.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Iowa legislature
Jan 12, 2021
Kristi Noem:
The taxes we have are stable and predictable, no increases
We don't have a corporate income tax. There is no business inventory tax. We have no personal income tax. We also do not have a personal property tax or an inheritance tax. The taxes that we do have to fund state government are stable and predictable.
In short, for those who might be worried about tax increases, you do not need to be. The government in South Dakota lives within its means. We balance our budget without accounting gimmicks or tricks.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to South Dakota legislature
Jan 12, 2021
Andrew Cuomo:
COVID: Raise taxes on the wealthy to help states
If the federal government needs revenue, it should raise income taxes on the wealthy to finance the state's resurgence from this national devastation. That is basic economic justice and economic prudence. Look what has happened in
America, the rich have gotten richer, the poor have gotten poorer and the middle class has gotten smaller. Washington should not force any state to bear the cost alone - especially New York State.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the New York legislature
Jan 11, 2021
Brad Little:
Proposes the single largest tax cuts in Idaho history
My plan is called "Building Idaho's Future." I am proposing more than $450 million in tax relief. This would be among the single largest tax cuts in Idaho history! To get there, I'm proposing $295 million in one-time tax relief and
$160 million in permanent tax cuts to boost Idahoans' prosperity while keeping our tax rates competitive and our business climate vibrant. Curbing government spending and returning taxpayer dollars should be the perpetual mission of public servants.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Idaho legislature
Jan 11, 2021
Doug Ducey:
Haven't raised taxes, on tax reform let's think big
Every year I've been governor, we've improved income taxes in the taxpayer's favor. We've simplified the code, lowered all rates, protected them against inflation, and eliminated an entire tax bracket. We've proven that our government can fulfill
every obligation, and answer the unexpected needs of a growing state, without raising taxes. So I propose we work together to reform and lower taxes and preserve Arizona's good name as a responsible, competitive state. On tax reform, let's think big.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Arizona legislature
Jan 11, 2021
Phil Scott:
Reduce unemployment payroll tax without impacting benefits
We have to remember that most businesses are small and owned by our neighbors. We must help employers in responsible ways, like reducing--not increasing--the cost of unemployment insurance without impacting benefits to the unemployed.
And surely we can't add to the burden with a payroll tax on them or their workers.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Vermont legislature
Jan 7, 2021
Page last updated: Feb 24, 2022
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