From the January/February Delaware State Chamber of Commerce 2009 Legislative Agenda – State Fiscal Policy:
We must look closely at how state government functions and where the taxpayer’s money is being spent. Ineffective, obsolete programs must be eliminated. We must immediately implement restraints on state spending and explore new revenue sources. In addition, proposed changes in state tax policy must be carefully considered before any action is taken.
From the July 2nd Delaware State Chamber of Commerce 2009 Legislative Wrap Up:
The General Assembly recessed at 4:30 AM this morning after approving a FY 2010 budget of $3 billion and closing a state spending deficit of $800 million. This was accomplished through a series of fee and tax increases totaling $206 million and $301 million in government spending cuts.
Among the tax and fee increases are an 8 percent boost in the Gross Receipts Tax, a 1 percent increase in the Personal Income Tax on incomes above $60,000, and the reinstitution of the estate tax above $3.5 million tied to the federal estate tax rate. All three of these increases included a four-year sunset. Other increases included the corporate franchise tax among other fees.
This fiscal year grant in aid budget is $35.4 million dollars – a 22 percent reduction from last FY. Capital spending is also lower, totaling $284.5 million dollars.
Govenor Jack Markell commited to lowering government spending in the next year through a restructuring of government.
As a long time member of the State Chamber, the owner of a small business, and a new Board member of the Chamber, I’d like to hear your thoughts?
Appalling.
Liars.
Weak.
Believe me, I am holding back.
I have said numerous times the opportunity to display leadership has come and gone. The rest of Markell’s single term will be all defense and in the end he will lose.
At http://delawarerepublican.wordpress.com/drtv/ we lay out the cold hard facts on the spending problem the state has over many years.
We are supposed to believe the Governor will restructure government when his 8% pay cut folded so poorly?
Next year, revenues will indeed still be down and what are we going to do? Raise more taxes? Expect more stimulus money?
We paid the mortgage with a credit card as if we don’t have to pay it back.
Mike Protack
Same [stuff], different day.
Rather than look at truly creating a workable, sustainable budget, our legislature looked for any opportunity to maintain the status quo without any significant cuts. As a result, the 700,000+ residents of DE will need to pay more for everyday items and more income taxes in order to support the 20,000 some people that work for the state.
Also, I am saddened (but not surprised) by the significantly coordinated efforts by the State Workers United for a Better Delaware (SWUBD) and the DSEA. I wonder how much of that organization was done during the workday on taxpayer dollars?
Dude, come Superbowl time, we’ll be surfing a tasty wave of cash from all the sports betting. Wax up the board and let’s go for a ride!