MACo Executive Director Michael Sanderson testified to the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee opposing SB 592, Income Tax- Subtraction Modification- Military Retirement Income, and SB 594, Income Tax Subtraction Modification – Law Enforcement, Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services Personnel (Hometown Heroes Act) on March 4, 2015. These bills would expand or create income tax subtraction modifications for a variety of retirees; these subtraction modifications would impact state and county revenues. In fact, once fully phased in, both of these subtraction modifications could cost the counties close to $22 million annually.

In addition to the huge financial burden’s these proposed subtraction modification would cause, the fact that local governments were not consulted is extremely disconcerting and limits the county flexibility. As stated in the written testimony:

…MACo’s position on these and other similar proposals and its preference that State proposals affecting local revenue sources be enacted as a “local option.” This approach would give counties maximum flexibility to achieve local goals.
 

Mr. Sanderson also referenced the broad policy statement MACo adopted earlier this session, cting counties’ consistent views in support of local autonomy.

For more on MACo’s 2015 legislation, visit the Legislative Database.