Each of the past efforts to put a plan in place to tackle the climate crisis provided concrete strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions to meet the state’s now-mandatory reduction goals by 2030. This requires urgent action, not a fourth plan.
Thu, 04/08/2021 - 6:01am tim
Editor’s Note: Joe Fusco, vice president of Casella Waste Systems, Inc in Rutland, served on Governor Scott’s Vermont Climate Action Commission and currently chairs the Vermont Climate Economy Action Team. This commentary (#3) is from a 10-part series in which the authors respond to the pressing topics identified in a draft “Proposition for the Future of Vermont” developed by the non-partisan Vermont Council on Rural Development. VCRD welcomes your ideas at futureofvermont.org.
by Joe Fusco Vermont must advance creative economic solutions to climate change. We are now living and working under accelerated change and disruption.
1. Restructure the homestead education tax
2. Broaden the sales tax base
3. Modernize income tax features
4. Undertake analysis in order to eliminate tax burden/benefit cliffs
5. Improve administration of property tax
6. Create a comprehensive telecommunications tax
7. Utilize tax policy to address climate change
8. Collaborate with other states so each state can build a fairer, more sustainable tax system
Recommendation 1: Restructure the Homestead Education Tax
Key components:
A. Eliminate the Property Tax Credit
B. Eliminate the homestead education property tax, and implement income-based education tax for all residents (owners and renters) with rate tied to locally voted budgets.
C. Levy the non-homestead education property tax on all property except the residence and 2-acre site.