Kaine proposes an important tax cut

By: Brian
Published On: 12/15/2006 8:29:08 AM

What was that line Jerry Kilgore always used in 2005?  I think it was "he will raise your taxes!"  Then I usually got lost in the "always has, always will" refrain.

It was announced yesterday that Gov. Kaine not only wants to provide some "relief" for taxpayers, but he is proposing that we give several hundred thousand people a 100% break on their income taxes.  The people who would be getting the tax break, however, is what makes this proposal unique and important.


Kaine will ask lawmakers to boost the minimum income level for people who file separately from the present $7,000 a year to $12,000. The threshold for married couples filing jointly would increase from $14,000 annually to $24,000.

"This is something I believe in deeply, plus you've got extra revenue," Kaine said in an Associated Press interview Thursday.

I sincerely hope that House Republicans will not attempt to obstruct and/or make excuses for not supporting Gov. Kaine's proposal for this much-needed tax relief.

Update:

Delegate Brian Moran released this statement in support of Gov. Kaine:


Governor Kaine has shown tremendous leadership in his budget proposal and demonstrated his fierce commitment to the working families of Virginia by taking nearly 350,000 Virginians off the income tax rolls. ItGÇÖs economically sound, fiscally responsible, and morally courageous to fight for the middle class working families of Virginia and his bold action will help 1 out of every 10 Virginia income tax filers. Just like Governor WarnerGÇÖs commitment to ending the food tax, Governor Kaine has demonstrated that we are committed to tax relief for the hardest working among us.

IGÇÖm proud to continue serving as his partner to make these kinds of investments that keep Virginia moving forward.


Comments



Tax cuts for the right people (Hugo Estrada - 12/15/2006 10:14:33 AM)
Finnally! And I am so glad that this comes from Virginian Democrat. And like so many brilliant ideas, it is so self-evident after it has been told to you, but so difficult to see before:

If the middle or lower class feels pinched because of taxes, give the middle class tax relief.

Maybe we could have avoided many Republican governments had he figured this one out before :)



This is a BRILLIANT and sincere manuever, you Rock TIM ! (Used2Bneutral - 12/15/2006 10:38:47 AM)
Now if he can keep this a completely integrated Tax plan so we can incentivize getting a real transportation funding solution passed. Especially a plan that doesn't rob from education and public safety AND handles the required entire project plan so we don't start and then run out of funding in the middle, which is exactly what would most likely happen with anything the Republican House of Delegates has proposed.


Now (Gordie - 12/15/2006 3:58:49 PM)
if this 110th congress would only follow suite. Raising the poverety level for single and joint filers is the first start, then raising the income tax starting level, such as Gov. Kaine has done.

Now the Democrats are on the right track as far as taxes go. May the ball keep rolling.



In Power for a Generation (Newport News Dem - 12/15/2006 5:14:26 PM)
Federal Democrats will hold onto Congress for a generation or more, with the benefits falling to state and local Democrats, if they offer (and have passed) a sweeping tax overhaul.

If the first 30 or 40 thousand of family income becomes income tax free, and pay for it by closing loopholes and adjusting other brackets, America would respond by voting for Democrats for years to come.