Revenews: CT turning up the heat, federal fights looming
13 August 2024
Welcome to ReveNews, SRA’s new way to share both national and state revenue news with you! We’ve designed this newsletter to be a quick and easy way to keep up with what partners across the Alliance are doing, share new opportunities to connect with revenue-raising efforts around the country, find the latest research you can use, and keep tabs on future ways to aid your advocacy.
In this inaugural edition of the ReveNews, we have news from Connecticut on how residents want a better way to raise revenue and how advocates are aligning to make it happen, new research from ITEP on the tax contributions of undocumented people; foreshadowing the “Super Bowl of Taxes” in the New York Times, and SRA Executive Director Amber Wallin quoted in MarketWatch and a Harvard Law publication.
We’ve also included the national media report from the second quarter of 2024.
IN THE STATES….
Connecticut for All is keeping the heat on raising revenue.
The CT Mirror reports on the brewing battle in 2025 to reel in overbearing “fiscal guardrails” and fund a state child tax credit. SRA partners Connecticut for All and Connecticut Voices for Children are quoted.
A new poll shows that Connecticut residents want a better balance between paying debt and funding needed priorities.
ITEP’s research is making news.
On July 30 ITEP released a new report that quantifies how much undocumented people contribute to both federal and state revenue.
You can see your state information and check out how a variety of state groups—including Oklahoma, Maine, and New Jersey—are working to raise awareness of the contributions of undocumented families.
As Eliana Fernandez, director of organizing at immigrant advocacy group Make the Road New Jersey, said, "New Jersey’s undocumented community plays a 'crucial role' in contributing to the state’s economy. Despite these contributions, undocumented immigrants are excluded from almost every safety net protection [and lawmakers should look at] expanding access to the safety net."
ON THE NATIONAL SCENE…
The New York Times and MarketWatch foreshadow the next federal administration's tax policy priorities and the looming fight for revenue.
By now, you all know about the looming expiration of the Trump tax cuts in 2025. Last week, the New York Times called the coming battle the “Super Bowl of Tax”. Go. Fight. Win!
MarketWatch asks what Gov. Walz's progressive tax record signals about a Harris Administration.
SRA’s Executive Director is quoted, in part, as saying: ‘Big picture: Minnesota’s tax system is really one that is leading the way among the states in how to center children and working families.’
SRA staff are quoted in the [f]law, a Harvard Law online journal covering corporate power and justice, about how the tax system has been rigged to shut out the many in favor of a powerful few – and how we are working to take the power back.
Meanwhile...
Experts further warn of the widening wealth gap between rich and poor if Trump’s tax cuts are extended and expanded.
Check out the latest SRA national earned media report and let us know if you have questions. TLDR: overall, we saw a loss of momentum (but we’ll get it back!) after a very strong start in 2024.
DID YOU KNOW?
As kids are getting back to school, ESSER funds expire on Sept. 30. Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Act funding must be allocated by the end of September. This COVID-era program is ending but the needs remain and without more Federal or state money, our classrooms, teachers, and children will suffer. SRA is in communication with national groups who are rallying in coming weeks to shine a spotlight on the need to extend and fund programs that relied on ESSER funding. Stay tuned for more information.
Australia is about to pass a “bonzer” corporate transparency law. There’s worldwide momentum to force corporations to pay what they owe in taxes. The Australian government is on the verge of passing a landmark corporate tax transparency law that could be an important marker for U.S. state advocates who are pressing for Worldwide Combined Reporting.
To send ideas for this newsletter, email jonathan@staterevenuealliance.org and morgan@newheightscommunications.com.