Update: House Finance chair won't rule out tax hikes in 2010
5:11 PM Thu, Sep 10, 2009 | Permalink
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By NEIL DOWNING State Rep. Steven M. Costantino (D-Providence), chairman of the powerful House Finance Committee, said today that he would not rule out changes to the state's tax system -- including possible tax increases -- when the General Assembly's next session starts in January. Because of a sharp decline in state tax revenue brought on by the global recession, "Everything's on the table" for budget talks in 2010, Costantino said. "We will have to first look at expenditures before you look at the tax base, but the tax base is not out of bounds," he said. Amy Kempe, spokeswoman for Governor Carcieri, said in response, "The governor's position on taxes has not changed: He is not going to support any increase in broad-based taxes. He has made that very clear." Costantino also said that when Carcieri makes budget proposals early next year, he hopes that Carcieri includes plans for long-range structural-type changes to the budget. "I hope the administration looks at structural [changes], not just one-time fixes, so we don't exacerbate the deficit in [future] years," Costantino said. "It is my hope right now that the administration is entertaining proposals within their process to deal with the current year budget deficit as well," he said. Kempe said that Carcieri has tried to effect structural budget changes since he first took office, and has been the loudest advocate for structural change. Also today, Costantino said that it is unlikely that the House Finance Committee will take up tax issues when the House reconvenes in mid-October. 
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Tax increases? Not going to happen Costantino. Voters are going to throw you out if you try.
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raising taxes or even thinking about it in this economic environment is not acceptable whatever cuts that need to be made SHOULD BE MADE no more sweetheart deals for unions or their cronies.we have an unbearably high tax burden already any more would chase out more taxpaying citizens and companies
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