In a debate too often dominated by rightwing tax cut
rhetoric, there is a real opening for progressives to demand a fairer, more accountable
tax and budget system. The public has a strong commitment to funding both
social services and the long-term investments needed for economic growth, but state
residents are frustrated by governments that they believe tax low- and
middle-income residents too much and upper-income residents and corporations
too little. Hidden economic giveaways to companies receiving tax breaks
and government contracts only add to voters' suspicion that state budgets serve
those with money, not the average taxpayer. In response, a range of
reforms at the state level are creating more transparent tax and budget
decisions and strengthening voters' trust that their tax money will actually go
towards the important public services that they do support. These approaches include:
