2023 Governor's State of the State speeches: on Tax Reform
Brad Little:
We created a fair, predictable, and lower flat income tax
In just three years, we have given back more than ever before in Idaho history--a whopping $2.7 billion to Idaho citizens and businesses. Our commitment to cutting taxes doesn't just start and end with one-time relief. We also cut back Idahoans' ongoing
tax burden by more than $650 million. We took the income tax from six brackets down to one and created a fair, predictable, and lower flat income tax once and for all.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Idaho legislature
Jan 9, 2023
Doug Burgum:
Should adopt the lowest flat-rate income tax in the nation
To make our state a more attractive, affordable place to live and give us an advantage as we compete for workers, we can and should adopt the lowest flat-rate income tax in the nation. The income tax relief plan proposed in our budget will eliminate the
state individual income tax for three out of five taxpayers. The remaining income taxpayers will see their liability reduced by roughly one-quarter to one-half, allowing North Dakotans to keep more of their hard-earned money.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the N.D. legislature
Jan 3, 2023
Greg Gianforte:
Provide relief to Montana taxpayers at every income level
All of our tax proposals are rooted in a simple philosophy: hardworking Montanans should keep more of what they earn. The fact of the matter is Montanans overpaid their taxes, and we're going to give it back. Our plan delivers Montana's largest
income tax cut ever. Our plan provides relief to Montana taxpayers at every income level, because even after our historic tax cuts in 2021, we still have the highest income tax rate in the Rocky Mountain West and one of the highest in the nation.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Montana legislature
Jan 25, 2023
Gretchen Whitmer:
Lower the retirement tax; expand Working Families Tax Credit
I am excited to announce "Lowering MI Costs," a plan offering immediate relief. It's got 3 parts.- First: let's roll back the retirement tax, saving half a million households $1,000 a year.
- Second: let's expand the Working
Families Tax Credit, delivering at least $3,000 refunds to 700,000 families.
- And third: Pre-K for All to save families an average of $10,000 a year and ensure every 4-year-old in Michigan gets a great start.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Michigan legislature
Jan 25, 2023
Henry McMaster:
We passed the largest income tax cut in state history
Until recently, South Carolina had the highest personal income tax rate in the southeast and the 12th highest in the nation. No more. Last year, we worked together to pass the largest income tax cut in state history. This made South Carolina even more
competitive with other states for new jobs and capital investment. A tax cut has the impact of a pay raise, letting people keep and spend more of their hard-earned money, which itself is a catalyst for even more economic growth and prosperity.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the S.C. legislature
Jan 25, 2023
Henry McMaster:
$2000 income tax credit for police & other first responders
To keep South Carolinians safe, we must maintain a robust law enforcement presence - and properly "fund the police." I am proposing a $2,000 state income tax credit for every active-duty law enforcement officer, firefighter, first responder, and
emergency medical technician. This nonrefundable tax credit will provide a total of $38.4 million in income tax relief for those who put their lives on the line each day to protect and serve our people.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the S.C. legislature
Jan 25, 2023
Jared Polis:
Colorado first state allowing deferral of some property tax
I'm proud that this year, Colorado is the first state in the country where every homeowner can defer paying some of these increases in their property taxes until their property is sold. No one should lose their home simply because its value, and
therefore property taxes, went up. We should also make the senior homestead tax exemption portable. Our seniors should be able to downsize without having to pay higher property taxes, freeing up their larger old homes for younger, growing families.
It's no secret that I, and most economists, despise the income tax. I was proud to have supported two successful income tax cuts at the ballot and since I took office our income tax rate has gone from 4.63% to 4.44%, helping produce
strong economic growth and low unemployment. I don't expect that we can fully eliminate the income tax by our 150th anniversary, but let's continue to make progress.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Colorado legislature
Jan 17, 2023
Jim Justice:
Reduce personal income tax by 50% over three years
Tonight, I am proposing the biggest tax cut in the history of this state. I'm proposing a 50% reduction in our PIT [personal income tax] across the board now. This thing, just saying if we do this, it will take us three years to pull it off.
But absolutely it is that aggressive pathway that will absolutely put unbelievable monies right back into all of our pockets.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the W.V. legislature
Jan 11, 2023
Jim Pillen:
We all agree: we are taxed way too much
We all agree -- we are taxed way too much. Our tax policy chases our kids and grandparents out of the state. We can't grow Nebraska that way. From my view, it's very simple. We must have the courage to say "No" to overspending and maintain a focus on
investing in our kids and giving this money back to Nebraskans via historic property and income tax cuts. We, Nebraska's leaders, must compete for Nebraska to win. The cuts I am proposing to you today make us more competitive.
Our property taxes are so out of whack that you don't even need to own property to be impacted by property taxes. We must lift this burden, and we have to do it now. Today, I am recommending to the Legislature an additional $2.4 Billion dollars in
property tax cuts, for a total of $7.1 Billion through fiscal year 26-27. As part of this total, I am recommending the investment of an additional $390 Million dollars in the Property Tax Credit Relief Fund.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Nebraska legislature
Jan 25, 2023
Joe Lombardo:
Raise Commerce Tax exemption; suspend fuel tax
I'm proud to announce my budget suspends the state motor vehicle fuel tax for the next 12 months, immediately reducing the price of gasoline and saving consumers and businesses approximately $250 million dollars. In terms of a family of four, that
translates to hundreds of dollars a year in savings. Working with local gas station operators, the petroleum industry, and the Attorney General's Consumer Affairs Division, we will make certain that these savings exclusively benefit taxpayers.
My budget lowers the modified business tax rate by 15% to 1.17%. My budget raises the exemption for businesses subject to the Commerce Tax by 50% from $4 million to $6 million. This represents the first time the Commerce Tax exemption has been
adjusted in favor of taxpayers EVER. These tax reductions ensure that rising prices don't create increased burdens for businesses. No gimmicks. Just plain old fashion tax cuts that allow Nevadans to keep more of what they earn.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Nevada legislature
Jan 23, 2023
Josh Green:
Every income bracket will be paying less state income tax
Following recommendations of the 2020 Tax Commission, we'll reform our tax code to provide for a cost-of-living adjustment in response to recent inflationary pressures. This plan provides universal tax relief by:- Shifting Tax brackets to ensure
that working families aren't burdened by inflation
- More than doubling the Standard Deduction from $2,200 to $5,000
- Doubling the personal exemption from $1,144 to $2,288
Every income bracket in Hawai'i will be paying less state income tax.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Hawaii legislature
Jan 23, 2023
Katie Hobbs:
Child tax credit for families earning less than $40K/year
My budget sets aside $50 million for a state-level, child tax credit for families earning less than $40,000 a year to help pay for the rising costs of basic necessities for their children. We will also help lower costs for Arizona families by exempting
diapers and feminine hygiene products from our state's sales tax. We can and should help provide this relief to individuals and families who too often must choose between paying their bills or paying for the things they need to be healthy.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Arizona legislature
Jan 9, 2023
Kim Reynolds:
On a path to the 4th lowest income-tax rate in the country
In 2018, we began the overhaul of Iowa's tax code. What happened next? State revenue soared, exceeding expectations. And three years later, the legislature voted to remove the revenue triggers, guaranteeing future tax cuts. Because we ignored the
hysteria, Iowans get to keep more of their money. And because we pushed forward, we're now on a path to the fourth lowest income-tax rate in the country, a flat 3.9%, and Iowans no longer pay tax on their retirement income.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Iowa legislature
Jan 10, 2023
Kristi Noem:
What to do with surplus? My answer is simple: cut taxes
Together, we must continue to build and advance the American Dream. And this legislative session, we will accomplish that.
We will accomplish it by cutting taxes for our people. We continue to have record surpluses. What should we do with our surplus? My answer is simple: Cut taxes and provide relief to South Dakotans.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the S.D. legislature
Jan 10, 2023
Laura Kelly:
Axe the tax on groceries, diapers, feminine hygiene products
We began, last year, by finally axing the sales tax on food but it doesn't zero-out until 2025. So the very first thing we must do this session is fully eliminate it, effective immediately. There is no reason that Kansans should ever look down at
their grocery receipts and see this tax. Folks can't afford it. Folks don't deserve it. And there's no need to wait for 2025. Let's end it now. But let's not stop at food, let's also axe the state sales tax on diapers and feminine hygiene products.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Kansas legislature
Jan 24, 2023
Mark Gordon:
$1M to extend the Property Tax Refund Program for a year
We must address the concerns of our most vulnerable and those living on a fixed income who are feeling the inflationary pinch especially today.
I have proposed an additional $1 million to extend the Property Tax Refund Program for another year. I urge you to support that and consider other means to deal with property tax relief.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Wyoming legislature
Jan 11, 2023
Michelle Lujan-Grisham:
Tax cuts for middle class, make system more progressive
In my budget priorities, I am asking for $1 billion in economic relief including rebates of $750 to each individual taxpayer or $1,500 to couples to help more New Mexicans afford the things they need right now. I am proposing a tax reform package
intended to support New Mexico's working families and businesses cutting our gross receipts tax rate again to help consumers save money; and delivering personal income tax cuts for middle class New Mexicans by making our system more progressive.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the N.M. legislature
Jan 19, 2023
Mike DeWine:
New tax credits to encourage home construction, ownership
I am proposing in my budget a series of tax changes and programs. For the first time ever, we will create both state "Low Income Housing Tax Credits" and "Single Family Housing Tax Credits" to stimulate the construction of more housing for families.
And, we will create an "Ohio Home Ownership Savings Account" program with Treasurer of State Sprague to allow Ohioans to save for down payments and other qualified housing expenses with reduced state tax consequences.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Ohio legislature
Jan 31, 2023
Mike Parson:
We passed the largest income tax cut in our state's history
In October, we concluded a historic special session with the passage of the largest income tax cut in our state's history. We cut the tax rate and simplified the tax code for all Missourians. This tax cut means that our administration will have cut
Missourians' taxes three times and by 20 percent. Money that can help put gas in the car, food on the table, or saved for a rainy day. It means more money in our economy.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Missouri legislature
Jan 18, 2023
Ned Lamont:
I don't want more taxes, I want more taxpayers
Our future is more local businesses and more housing options in your downtown ? walk to work or take faster public transit. You've heard me say it before, "I don't want more taxes, I want more taxpayers."
More taxpayers will guarantee a bigger economic pie that lets us keep up the progress in progressive. The next generation in Connecticut is all about opportunity, and that opportunity starts with economic growth.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to Connecticut legislature
Jan 4, 2023
Ned Lamont:
Now is the time to enact a meaningful middle-class tax cut
Thanks to our collective efforts, the era of Connecticut's permanent fiscal crisis is over. It's over as long as we maintain the same fiscal discipline that served us so well over the last four years. After many years of unfilled promises,
now is the time to enact a meaningful middle-class tax cut. That's a reduction in tax rates, which the state can afford and makes your life more affordable.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to Connecticut legislature
Jan 4, 2023
Phil Murphy:
We outpace states that give huge tax breaks for the wealthy
We outpaced many of the so-called "business friendly" states--states that some claim we have to emulate. States like Georgia and Florida. Our clear record of success is greater than that of states that pay for huge tax breaks for the
wealthiest and most powerful by taking away investments from public education and civic programs. We are proving we can live our values, improve lives, and compete with anyone, any time.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the N.J. legislature
Jan 10, 2023
Tate Reeves:
We will eliminate our state's income tax once and for all
We can and should do more to put additional dollars into the pockets of Mississippians. We will do this, by eliminating our state's income tax once and for all. We can do this and we can do this without raising other taxes.
You've heard me say this before, but I'm going to keep saying it because it's that important: government doesn't have anything that it doesn't first take from somebody else.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Miss. legislature
Jan 30, 2023
Tony Evers:
Big tax breaks for wealthiest 20% of earners is reckless
I want to work together on a budget provision that will send a total of up to 20% of the state's sales tax revenue back to our local communities for shared revenue. It means more than half a billion dollars more per year in new resources
to invest in key priorities like EMS, fire, and law enforcement services, transportation, local health and human services, and other challenges facing our communities.
So, cutting taxes is part of our agenda, just as it has been for the past four years. We've kept more money in Wisconsinites' pockets and delivered the largest tax cut in state history--and we can do more. But I also want to be clear tonight:
splurging $3.5 billion to hand out big breaks to the wealthiest 20 percent of earners isn't responsible, folks; it's reckless. Spending billions on a flat tax isn't a workforce plan or an economic development plan.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Wisconsin legislature
Jan 24, 2023
Glenn Youngkin:
Eliminated grocery tax; look forward to more tax breaks
We provided historic tax relief on a bipartisan basis, including eliminating the state's grocery tax. I was so pleased to see my democratic friends join us recently in celebrating the end of this regressive tax, something Virginians came together around
during our election. That's definitely a clear sign that there is bipartisan momentum for more tax relief this session. I look forward to giving those on both sides of the aisle more opportunities to celebrate tax breaks in the coming weeks.
Those states that we compete with most directly--North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida and Texas--have not only recovered all of the jobs lost during the pandemic, but they've actually added a collective 1.3 million jobs.
That data tells an undeniable story. Virginians are moving to states with lower taxes and lower cost of living and as those Virginians pack up and move away so go the jobs, investments, and tax revenue they drive.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Virginia legislature
Jan 11, 2023
Glenn Youngkin:
Increase standard deduction; $1B of surplus for tax relief
We want all of our veterans to stay here. I'm asking you to eliminate the tax on military retirement income for veterans regardless of their age. I'm also asking that you finish the work we started last year, increase again the standard deduction
by another 20%, a change that helps all Virginians, but especially the lower and middle income tax-payers. The plan I have laid out utilizes $1 billion of the $3.6 billion projected surplus for tax relief, and is structurally sound.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Virginia legislature
Jan 11, 2023
Bill Lee:
Break from grocery tax, $150M tax relief to small business
This year, we're cutting taxes again. Last August, we gave Tennessee families a one-month break from grocery taxes, to provide relief amid nationwide inflation. We should do that again this year, but let's extend it to three consecutive months.
I'm also introducing the Tennessee Works Act to deliver more than $150 million in annual tax relief to small businesses and expand Tennessee's competitive edge for years to come.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Tennessee legislature
Feb 6, 2023
Chris Sununu:
Unlike other states, we don't raise taxes to meet our needs
Unlike other states, we don't raise taxes to meet our needs. We shift resources to where they are needed most. Unlike the rest of this country -- we cut taxes, we increase investments, we work together, and we get the job done ---
Without a sales tax
- Without an income tax
- Without an estate tax
- Without a 'Millionaires' Tax. Good luck with that one Massachusetts.
- And soon in NH the Interest and Dividends Tax will be fully phased out.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the N.H. legislature
Feb 14, 2023
Greg Abbott:
Pass the largest property tax cut in the history of Texas
As I travel across Texas, there's one thing I hear loud and clear: Property taxes are suffocating Texans. We must fix that this session. Hardworking Texans produced the largest budget surplus in Texas history. That money belongs to the taxpayers.
We should return it to you with the largest property tax cut in the history of Texas.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Texas legislature
Feb 16, 2023
Kevin Stitt:
Eliminate state grocery tax; reduce income tax rate to 3.99%
Let's cut taxes! In my executive budget I am proposing to eliminate Oklahoma's state grocery tax and reduce our personal income tax rate to 3.99%. These cuts will save each family in Oklahoma hundreds of dollars each year. And it will continue to make
Oklahoma one of the best states to live, work, and raise your family. When our economy is booming everyone wins. Your personal income goes up, opportunities expand, and the entire tax base grows.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Oklahoma legislature
Feb 6, 2023
Wes Moore:
$40,000 tax exemption on military retirement income
We stand for people like Angela McCullough. Angela is a retired US Air Force Master Sergeant, and the owner and CEO of Maryland-based, Tri-Logistics. She's an example of what our state needs more of. With my budget's $40,000 exemption on military
retirement, she will be able to put that money back into her business, hire more people, and grow our economy. And 40,000 veterans like her will see their retirement income tax cut as well.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Maryland legislature
Feb 1, 2023
Page last updated: Apr 02, 2023