Say Anything Blog

The North Dakota Chamber of Commerce apparently sent out a survey to its members asking about the initiated measure to cut income taxes by 50% and corporate taxes by 15%.  The results are sort of depressing.

2) What is your personal level of support for the initiated measure to reduce income tax rates?

58% oppose the initiated measure to reduce income taxes starting with the 2009 tax year. The board of directors will consider a position regarding the initiated measure during its March meeting.

3) From a legislative policy stand point, what is your level of support for reducing tax rates by initiated measure rather than legislatively?

67% oppose reducing tax rates by initiated measure rather than legislatively. If passed, the initiated measure prevents the legislature from making revisions or changes to the law for seven years.

It’s a pretty sad commentary when a group that ostensibly represents state business interests is opposed to an initiated measure aimed at giving tax relief to businesses.  S-Corps would get a 50% cut in state income taxes under the initiated measure.  C-Corps would get a 15% cut.  That’s significant, and would have a tremendously positive impact on the state economy.  But yet, we’re supposed to believe that the state’s business leaders are opposed to it?

That doesn’t quite pass the smell test for me.

Update: A reader emails:

this is what happens when businesses merge with government… the business community is worried the government won’t have any more money to give to them

Great point.  If we cut taxes, there will be less economic development pork to go around.