Business & Tech
OP-ED: North Central Chamber Opposes Chafee Tax Changes
The local business organization calls on state legislators to oppose the governor's proposals.
On behalf of the small business community, Rhode Island taxpayers and consumers, the and its Board of Directors strongly urge legislators to oppose the Governor’s proposed tax changes for the State’s upcoming fiscal year. This budget is potentially the biggest financial and economic burden that Rhode Islanders will face in the next several years, while it is just a meager part of the entire budget picture. The business community will be negatively impacted, as well as ALL the people in the State of RI, the people that our elected officials represent. Dozens and dozens of industries would be affected by the $165-million tax hike. What does that mean for unemployment? Employers MUST educate their employees.
It appears as though politicians are simply playing havoc with our economic future. There needs to be a STOP to these taxes NOW!
A few examples – Seniors, and children of the elderly, do you realize that you/your parents may be taxed on non-prescription medications! Tourism will be affected; our tourists, including Rhode Islanders will be taxed on scenic and sightseeing opportunities! It’s somewhat humorous, while the Governor is looking to help improve Rhode Island’s tourism, he wants to more than double the cost of a “day at the beach” for all of us Rhode Islanders!
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Just in case taxpayers have not seen recent news, legislators are proposing double digit pay increases for certain state employees, not to mention the outrageous pensions that some already receive. All of this on the backs of us taxpayers! Apparently, legislators have forgotten they represent us – Rhode Island taxpayers, not special interests!
Rhode Islanders must be reminded that it is our right and obligation as citizens, taxpayers and business people to exercise our unity, enforce to our elected officials, to do what is right….NOT what is “popular.” We need to stand together as Americans, as Rhode Islanders – where HOPE is our motto.
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Let us remind you –
“Taxation without representation!” – “A situation in which a government imposes taxes on a particular group of its citizens, despite the citizens not consenting or having an actual representative deliver their views when the taxation decision was made. This situation was one of the triggering events that spurred the original thirteen American colonies to revolt against the British Empire.” The North Central Chamber of Commerce is proud to say: “Let the revolution begin!”
The North Central Chamber of Commerce proudly serves the towns of Johnston, North Providence, Smithfield, Scituate, Foster and Glocester. For more information on the Chamber, please call (401) 349-4674 or visit www.ncrichamber.com.
This article was submitted by NCCC President Deb Ramos.
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