NFIB/OH: Tax reform proposals likely to evolve in coming weeks.
Ohio Gov. John Kasich is using his moment in the national
spotlight to talk up his plans for state tax reform.
In February, Kasich appeared on Fox News’ “Your World” with
Neil Cavuto, and talked up his record on taxes and his new plan to raise
revenues.
“I have the largest tax cut in the last four years in the
country, $3 billion,” Kasich said on the program. “And this would bring about a
$500 million net tax cut. But, Neil, you know, governments have to raise some
revenue, so I wanted to raise it in the way that is the least harmful to the
private economy.”
Chris Ferruso, NFIB/Ohio legislative director, says that while
Kasich’s budget contains tax reform measures, it also includes a range of tax
extenders and enhancers. As such, NFIB/Ohio has issues a special member ballot
to take gauge the reaction of Buckeye small business owners.
“We have put in an income tax in years ago,” Kasich continued.
“I don’t think it served us well. And I want to move towards a tax system that
encourages investments, risk-taking and, of course, the creation of jobs. And
in order to do that, we will need some tax reform. You know this from all the
people you have on your show. And I would rather rely more on a
consumption-based tax system, and reduce our income tax, so that all the
successful rich people—I wouldn’t say all of them, but many of them—don`t go to
places like Florida, where taxes are much lower.”
Ferruso said tax
reform will undergo scrutiny and likely see changes over the coming weeks in
the Ohio General Assembly.
