In an article about ways the General Assembly is considering to solve Rhode Island's budget crisis, the Providence Journal quotes OSA's Executive Director about our need to look at "all possible options and other ways to raise revenue" instead of exacerbating the state's upside-down tax structure that is overly dependent on property tax.

The article credits Ocean State Action with leading the fight to eliminate the alternative flat tax, a huge tax break for a tiny handful of the richest taxpayers, most of whom do not even live in Rhode Island.  Even though Murphy was one of the leading forces in the passage of the alternative flat tax, he said that the Assembly will have to look at whether it's possible to keep the flat tax given the state's need for revenue.

This is a huge step forward in the fight to fix our upside-down tax structure, as it is the first time since it was enacted that a member of House Leadership has said that they are looking seriously at getting rid of the flat tax.  Furthermore, the Senate Leadership has also stated that it is eyeing the flat tax.

The repeal of the flat tax is a responsible way to ensure that Rhode Island can continue to make the investments that build the foundation of a strong economy, since it is a huge tax break that benefited only 808 Rhode Islanders the last year for which data is available.

Learn more about the OSA's Campaign for Rhode Island's Priorities to fight for a more balanced tax system in the Ocean State.

If you are interested in getting involved in Ocean State Action's campaign to fix our upside-down tax system that is too dependent on property taxes, sign up here for more info.