Taxes
Issue Overview: Inevitably bills are offered to the legislature to raise existing taxes or create new taxes. The cumulative effect of the tax proposals can be hundreds of millions of dollars. These tax increases and new taxes can have a direct, immediate and severe impact on the ability of NFIB/Wyoming members to do business. Additionally NFIB/Wyoming members have advocated reducing the cost of government in lieu of raising taxes.
NFIB Position: Generally NFIB/Wyoming members have opposed tax increases and new taxes. Over 91 percent oppose a state income tax, more than 83 percent oppose a business income tax, over 64 percent oppose raising the sales tax from 4 percent to 5 percent and more than 85 percent oppose a real estate transfer tax.
What to Say/Do: Grassroots action is the best way legislators can be convinced to take a particular action. That means members need to directly contact their legislators, either by calling them or writing letters and sending emails. Always point out to them you are a member of their legislative district and the issue has an impact on you, your business and your employees. You can write them or call them at home during the 2007 interim and you can testify at interim committee meetings that deal with taxation issues.
Issue Status: House Bill 265, Sales Tax Exemption -- Herbicides and Pesticides, has passed the House of Representatives and is awaiting assignment to a committee in the Senate. For those members who are engaged in agriculture, this bill will remove the sales tax on herbicides and pesticides purchased for use on a farm or ranch. Members need to contact their senators and ask them to support the bill so the tax can be removed.
