MA: Mideast Budget 2012 (Statute)

[tmthforu94]

Do you think we could get the numbers amended on the first page and proceed to a final vote soon (unless someone else has anything to add)?

I had originally considered proposing a couple cuts to free up money for a jobs bill, but at the end of the day, we're already going to be running a surplus, and I don't want to put any more strain than needed on the government.

[tmthforu94]

Actually, Inks, do you think you could hold off on a final vote after you recalculate the numbers? I have some math I want to do with the tax credits. Thank you!

[tmthforu94]

We currently have $3.9 billion free to spend from the 2010 Stimulus Act - when I was requesting funds way back when, I asked for a small portion of the money delegated to us be used at the Assembly's discretion. I'm trying to figure out if we could apply some to here, either through tax breaks or increased credits, or if we should hold it. Thoughts?

[tmthforu94]

We currently have $3.9 billion free to spend from the 2010 Stimulus Act - when I was requesting funds way back when, I asked for a small portion of the money delegated to us be used at the Assembly's discretion. I'm trying to figure out if we could apply some to here, either through tax breaks or increased credits, or if we should hold it. Thoughts?

I am very skeptical of passing any new tax breaks while the current regional income and corporate tax rates for the upper income brackets are so low.  I won't rule it out without hearing what you had in mind, but my gut feeling is that we would be better off holding onto it than using it to give tax breaks.  I would support using that money to help improve our region's infrastructure, *maybe * developing a high-speed rail system (I need to investigate this a bit before taking a position), improving the region's public schools, investing in green energy research, etc.  There is a lot of good that we can do with this money and that is what we should be focusing on.

Once again, when you factor in the federal rates, our tax rates are much higher than RL.

We can hold it at a surplus, but come on Inks, we have to do something nice for The People. Just no huge tax cut that'll put us back in the whole...paging 2001...

[tmthforu94]

The first sentence was responding to Mr. X's claim that our tax rates are too low. The second part was in response to you asking if we can just "hold on to" the surplus.

[tmthforu94]

Thank you for bringing this to a final vote. I think my proposed reforms will all just be part of a big jobs bill next session.

Great work, Assembly!