Governors showing the way
For many years, blue and red states Governors have often offered similar language, if not the same position, on taxes – finding ways to “hold the line” or boast of “tax cuts”. Even in states with the most progressive tax codes, Governors are generally the last to support increases in taxes on the wealthy. But in the past few months, several Governors have adopted policies and decided to state their support for tax justice.
In Maryland, Governor Wes Moore, who has previously opposed tax increases, included both new high-earners taxes and combined reporting in his budget.
Governor Ned Lamont has often fought progressive tax champions in the Connecticut state legislature during his time in office. This year, his budget includes loosening the state’s “fiscal guardrails”, investments in early education and changes to business taxes that the Connecticut business lobby says are, “surprising and disappointing.”
Outgoing Washington Governor Jay Inslee made the courageous decision to include a 1% wealth tax in his final budget outline. While the current Governor, Bob Ferguson, has been cool to the idea, we know that the strong tax justice movement in Washington will continue to push for bold ideas to raise revenue.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is championing combined reporting, which Pennsylvanians Together have advocated for in the past few years.