Bruce Lisman on Tax Reform

Stop taxing retirement benefits & other new taxes & fees

We must end Vermont's over taxation of veterans & senior citizens. Although Vermont has one of the country's highest percentages of senior citizens, it is one of only nine states that taxes military retirement pay and one of 13 states that taxes Social Security benefits.

As Governor, I will end the taxation of military retirement pay and work to substantially roll back the taxes on Social Security benefits. Moreover, I will put a stop to the insatiable spending habits of Governor Shumlin, and those who have stood by silently, have extracted more than $640 million in new taxes, fees, and surcharges from Vermonters over the past five years.

Vermont's high tax burden is driving many seniors to leave our state. We must break the cycle of spending at a faster pace than our economy grows. More important, we must treat our veterans and seniors fairly and with the respect they deserve.

Reset our finances and no new taxes

Lt. Gov. Phil Scott called for a collaborative approach to improving affordability for families. "I will neither propose nor will I sign a budget that exceeds these very reasonable limits. Working families need a break," said Scott, R-Vermont. "What we're really doing is creating an environment that is helpful to them and a state government that is by their side and not on their back."

Both Republicans have said the state's health exchange has hurt the business climate in the state.