Flat Tax Fight: Test of Power for the Liberals?

Published Jun 24 2009, 01:14 PM by David Scharfenberg

Liberal legislators are pushing to eliminate the state's flat tax, which benefits Rhode Island's wealthiest residents, and to funnel the enhanced tax revenue to cities and towns. Municipalities, after all, are slated to lose some $55 million in state funding under the 2009-2010 budget plan now before legislators.

Just months after an emerging progressive bloc flexed its muscle in a mid-year budget fight, it is tempting to see the flat tax push as a test of the group's newfound political strength. And if the liberals triumph this afternoon, as the legislature debates plans to kill the flat tax or at least freeze the flat tax rate in place, one could only conclude that they have, indeed, arrived.

But defeat will not necessarily be cause for an obituary. As State Rep. Arthur Handy, D-Cranston, points out in an interview with N4N, progressives can already claim some victories in this budget - most prominently, a reversal on a capital gains tax break that also benefits the well-to-do. "It's not just one bill that's going to be a lithmus test for us," he said.

Indeed, it will be interesting to see if rank-and-file members, beyond the most committed lefties, will be willing to cross legislative leaders on the flat tax and risk their other legislative priorities down the line. For most progressives, after all, this budget is not half-bad, all things considered.

Lombardi Goes Obama on Us

Lombardi to Launch Campaign Site

Follow the Phoenix

All Blogs

Phlog (1,514)
Talking Politics (1,600)
On The Download (2,245)
Laser Orgy (85)
Dont Quote Me (561)
Outside The Frame (326)

more by David Scharfenberg

Teach for America and the power of ideas | February 05, 2010

A nation hooked on cars | January 29, 2010

What’s next for Cicilline? | January 22, 2010

Does Scott Brown’s victory mean doom for RI Democrats? | January 22, 2010

A gadfly eyes public office | January 15, 2010

See all articles by: David Scharfenberg

Latest Comments

More Bad Signs For GOP Women - The NRCC has got to get a clue! This is exactly why the GOP constantly loses the female vote among independents...

By Leah Wright on 02-09-2010 in Talking Politics

The Kells in Allston is closing - Thank God. A Tavern in the Square, though? Christ.

By Z on 02-09-2010 in Phlog

Thugs and goons: Howie Carr explains--updated! - Carr got it from the comments omg. Who's less credible carr, barnicle or beck? Remember when journalists...

By neil on 02-09-2010 in Dont Quote Me

Q&A #10 -- Mighty Malone? - Joe Malone is a solid character who connects with the average citizen. No one ever accused him of any...

By smallfish on 02-09-2010 in Talking Politics

More Bad Signs For GOP Women - And other than their leader-for-show whom most of them bemoan, how about American citizens of color in...

By wp on 02-08-2010 in Talking Politics

Latest Comments from Not For Nothing

Flat Tax Fight: Test of Power for the Liberals?

Leave a Comment