By Maureen Hayden in the Clark County News and Tribune:
Gov. Mike Pence appears to be still dug in on his demand for a 10 percent income tax cut, despite a “nod” from Senate Republicans willing to give him a smaller slice of what he wants.
On Thursday, Republicans who control the Senate unveiled a $29.5 billion two-year budget plan that mirrors much of what House Republicans have already proposed: It adds more funding for roads and schools than what Pence proposed in his budget plan; but unlike the House bill, the Senate spending plan includes a 3 percent cut in the personal income tax rate.
Pence wants a permanent 10 percent cut, which would take about $750 million in revenues out of state coffers over the next two years and $500 million every year after that.
“That’s still my position,” the Republican governor told reporters at a press briefing after the Senate budget bill was released.
Repeating his frequently made argument that a 10 percent income cut would boost the state’s economy, Pence declined to answer a reporter’s question about whether he’d veto the final budget bill if it came to him without the tax cut he wants.
Pence said he’s still in negotiations with the legislators in his own party who’ve so far rejected his tax cut plan.
“I’m encouraged but not satisfied,” Pence said. “I look forward to a vigorous and respectful discussion in the weeks ahead.”
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See the full article here:
http://newsandtribune.com/statenews/x1319124891/Pence-says-Senate-GOP-plan-for-3-percent-tax-cut-not-enough
