Connecticut House Bill HB06140

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/17
• Refer: 1/20/17

Caption

An Act Phasing In A Reduction Of The Personal Income Tax Rate For Certain Filers.

Impact

The legislation is expected to modify the existing tax structure by lowering the tax burden on qualifying individuals and families. This phased reduction aligns with efforts to enhance the financial well-being of constituents who may be facing economic challenges. Proponents argue that by lessening the tax rate for lower-income residents, the bill would enable them to retain more of their income, thereby contributing positively to their local economies. However, this approach may potentially reduce state revenue over time, prompting concerns about budgetary constraints and fiscal sustainability.

Summary

House Bill 6140 proposes a gradual reduction of the personal income tax rate for specific income brackets over a span of five years. The bill targets unmarried individuals earning less than $50,000 and married couples filing jointly with incomes below $100,000. The proposal aims to reduce the current tax rate by 0.1% each taxable year for these income categories. This legislation is introduced with the intent to provide financial relief to lower-income earners and stimulate economic activity by increasing disposable income for this demographic.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HB 6140 highlight differing views on the impact of tax reductions on state finances and public services. Supporters of the bill posit that the economic benefits stemming from increased consumer spending could offset any revenue loss, while critics caution that reducing tax rates for higher earners could detract from essential funding for state services. Among the notable points of contention is the effectiveness of such tax breaks in actually improving the livelihoods of the targeted demographic versus the fiscal implications it entails for state budgets.