Connecticut Senate Bill SB00161

Connecticut 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/10
• Refer: 2/16/10

Caption

An Act Establishing A State-wide Property Tax.

Impact

The introduction of SB00161 could significantly alter the landscape of municipal funding in the state. By collecting property taxes at a state level, the bill has the potential to standardize how municipalities receive financial support, thereby addressing disparities in funding that often arise from varying local tax rates. Supporters of the bill argue that this could enhance the ability of municipalities to plan their budgets more effectively, leading to improved public services and infrastructure development.

Summary

SB00161 proposes the establishment of a state-wide property tax ranging from one to five mills. This bill seeks to create a uniform tax structure that would be collected at the state level, with the intention of redistributing the generated revenue back to the municipalities. The distribution method outlined in the bill is either per capita or based on needs, aiming to fairly allocate funds where they are most necessary across the state.

Contention

However, the bill is likely to encounter significant contention from local governments and taxpayers. Critics may argue that a state-wide property tax infringes on local autonomy, limiting municipalities' ability to set tax rates according to their unique circumstances and needs. There are concerns that centralizing tax revenue could disadvantage smaller municipalities that may rely heavily on local property taxes, potentially leading to inequities in funding distribution. Additionally, the varying opinions on what constitutes a 'needs-based' formula for distribution could also be a point of debate among lawmakers.