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August 5, 2011
Taxing the rich makes state revenue stream more volatile
By Keith M. Phaneuf
Advocates for a more progressive state income tax won key
battles in 2009 and again this spring as new top rates place even higher
burdens on Connecticut's
wealthiest households. But that comes a price: higher
volatility in tax revenues tied to the ups and downs of Wall Street.
Read more
August 4, 2011
Clarified concession deal puts retiree health care funds in
lock box
By Keith M. Phaneuf
State employees have never warmed to the idea of having to
contribute a portion of their pay to help fund their retirement health care,
and one of the arguments they make against it is the history of special
accounts' being used as a piggybank by legislators and governors when money is
tight.
But while all unionized employees would have to start
contributing toward their retirement health care under the concession package
now undergoing a second vote, new language in the agreement guarantees this
account can't be raided to prop up future state budgets.
August 3, 2011
Study finds Connecticut's business tax burden is lightest in
the nation
By Keith M. Phaneuf
Despite its reputation as an expensive place to do business,
Connecticut's
state and local governments imposed the smallest tax burden last year of any
state when compared with its economic output, according to a new study released
by a trade group for major corporations.
August 2, 2011
ESPN receives $25M aid package to help launch 2nd digital
center in Bristol
By Keith M. Phaneuf
BRISTOL--Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced Tuesday the state will invest
more than $25 million in cable sports giant ESPN's plans to develop a second
digital center on its main campus here. ESPN has pledged to create a minimum of
200 jobs over the next five years.
Read more
August 2, 2011
State income tax hike hits paychecks starting this week
By Keith
M. Phaneuf and Jacqueline Rabe
Depending on how much they earn, Connecticut workers could
start noticing less in their paychecks at week's end as state government starts
collecting at special income tax withholding rates to reflect new
increases--and to apply them retroactively back to Jan. 1. Predictably,
Republicans and Democrats differ on the effect on wage earners.
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August 1, 2011
Watchdog panel gives Malloy three choices for new executive
director
By Keith M. Phaneuf and
Jacqueline Rabe
The heads of state government's nine watchdog agencies referred three finalists
Monday to Gov. Dannel P. Malloy to become executive
director of the new Office of Governmental Accountability -- including one
candidate who's prepared to take no salary.