Search

Due to their regressive nature, raising state and local sales taxes should not be the first choice for increasing tax revenues. 

States and localities should include services in the taxable base to reduce regressivity and improve neutrality. 

Exemptions from state retail sales taxes should be narrowly designed to reduce their regressive nature and avoid pyramiding. 

Property taxes should be equitable. 

Congress should mandate the use of the Supplemental Poverty Meas

States and localities should carefully evaluate the effectiveness of the incentives they offer to attract or retain businesses. 

When considering bond financing, state and local policymakers should: 

Public retirement systems should establish a maximum vesting period of five years for DB plans and one year for employers’ matching contributions to defined contribution or hybrid plans. 

States and localities should move toward full funding of their retirement systems. 

These principles provide a framework for key components of low-income assistance, including income and nutrition assistance programs, access to social supports, and access to basic necessities.