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Article as it appeared in the Journal Inquirer

Panel soliciting comment on tax structure, not rates

By Mike Savino
Journal Inquirer
Tuesday, September 15, 2015

The State Tax Panel is hosting a public hearing Wednesday for residents to discuss Connecticut’s current tax structure.

The hearing is part of the panel’s efforts to examine the state’s tax code and how it affects economic competitiveness.

The hearing will begin at 4 p.m. in hearing room 2E of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford, with overflow seating available in room 2B.

Members of the public are free to provide any comments related to taxes, but panel Co-Chairman William H. Nickerson said the panel is seeking public comment on the state’s tax structure, not tax rates.

He said the panel is charged with looking at the cost and equity of Connecticut’s tax structure, as well as how the code affects employment and the economy.
“We are not here to advocate for either tax increases or tax decreases our mission is revenue neutral,” said Nickerson, who is also CEO of New York City-based Hoffman Management.

He acknowledged that concerns about the impact that high taxes have on businesses can fall within the discussion of the state’s tax structure, although criticism of tax rates are better directed to the General Assembly and its tax-writing Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee.

That hasn’t stopped some fiscal conservatives, though, from encouraging members of the public to use the forum to call for reduced government spending and lower taxes.

Sen. John A. Kissel, R-Enfield, urged residents who can’t attend the hearing to email testimony.

“Even if you can’t attend the hearing, you can still speak out about all of the state taxes you pay,” Kissel said in a statement. “Think you are paying too much? Make your voices heard, and please tell friends about the opportunity.”

The conservative group, the Yankee Institute, also is pressing people to complain about taxes.

Nickerson said the panel is awaiting analysis from an expert on state taxes, and he expects the group to provide its own report to lawmakers by the end of the year.