ND Democrats Criticize Corporate Tax Cuts - KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/Dickinson

ND Democrats Criticize Corporate Tax Cuts

Posted:
Bismarck, ND -

A long time philosophical difference between Democrats and Republicans heats up at the legislature today.

At the center of the debate: tax breaks for corporations.

Donnell Preskey has the story.

North Dakota lawmakers will decide how to best share the state's revenue with taxpayers.

Proposals call for tax reductions in property, income and corporate taxes.

But there is a great disparity between Democrats and Republicans in how that relief goes out.

"When it comes to tax cuts, North Dakotan's should be first," says Democratic Senator Mac Schneider of Grand Forks.

Democrats say the relief, all $1 billion of it, should go to North Dakotan's through property tax relief.

Their wish is to bypass income and corporate tax breaks this session.

Democrat Senator Jim Dotzenrod says, "we are concerned that the proposals to cut income and corporate taxes go too far and could threaten our ability to fund property tax relief in the future."

The democrats criticize a recent change to a bill, doubling the amount of corporate tax relief from 25 to 50 million.

"82% of this tax is paid for by corporations headquartered out of North Dakota," says Schneider.

Republicans say it's only fair to also share the state's wealth with the businesses who have made investments in our state.

Republican Senator Rich Wardner says, "It's the corporations that are the economic engine of this state."

It's still early in the session, and the dollars attached to the relief may change. But currently $700 million is proposed in property tax relief alone.

"We are going to assure that every North Dakota citizen gets as much relief as this state can responsibly and in the future sustain in direct tax relief," says Representative Craig Headland.

Wardner says, "as we take a look at tax policy for businesses and corporations in the rest of the session. That's what we got to keep in mind, how do we keep this economic engine going."

North Dakota is not alone in reducing taxes.

According to the Midwest Council on Governments, 13 states are proposing income tax cuts this session.

9 states are looking at reducing corporate taxes.

And in five states the Governor or legislature are proposing repealing income taxes.

By the way, no other state than Alaska has repealed it's income tax.

  • Bismarck/Mandan News

  • North Dakota has some of the nicest trails in the state. And those who take advantage of them came together at the 2nd Annual North Dakota Trails Conference. The group is talking ideas and opportunities
    North Dakota has some of the nicest trails in the state. And those who take advantage of them came together at the 2nd Annual North Dakota Trails Conference. The group is talking ideas and opportunities
  • Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:25 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:25:01 GMT
    Kids get the opportunity to play with their food. This month a new program called "Social Connection," is giving kids the chance to get involved with their community and spend time outdoors. This week's
    Kids get the opportunity to play with their food.

    This month a new program called "Social Connection," is giving kids the chance to get involved with their community and spend time outdoors.
  • Face to face communication technology has grown throughout the years. And another group will benefit from its use. A new Military Family Contact program is being launched. Thirty-eight libraries in
    Face to face communication technology has grown throughout the years. And another group will benefit from its use. A new Military Family Contact program is being launched. Thirty-eight libraries in
  • Political

  • By saying he intends to bargain with Russia over new reductions in nuclear weapons rather than make cuts on his own President Barack Obama is asking for cooperation from a former Cold War foe in no mood to agree.
    By saying he intends to bargain with Russia over new reductions in nuclear weapons, rather than make cuts on his own, President Barack Obama is asking for cooperation from a former Cold War foe in no mood to agree.
  • President Barack Obama's 26-hour whirlwind visit to Berlin caps three days of international summitry for the president, and marks his return to a place where he once summoned a throng of 200,000 to share his...
    Summoning the harsh history of this once-divided city, President Barack Obama on Wednesday cautioned the U.S. and Europe against "complacency" brought on by peace, pledging to cut America's deployed nuclear weapons by...
  • A bipartisan group of senators is floating a proposal that would avoid the doubling of rates on student loans on July 1.
    A bipartisan compromise on student loans started to take shape in the Senate on Wednesday linking interest rates to the financial markets. If approved, it would prevent rates for new borrowing from doubling in coming days.
Quick Clicks
Closings/Delays
View list
Calendar
What's happening?
Lottery Results
Feeling lucky?
Viewer Photos
Submit yours!
Road Report
Current conditions
TV Listings
See what's on
Gas Prices
Check near you
E-Mail Newsletter
Signup now

Most Popular

Stories
Videos
loading...
Powered by WorldNow
General information or questions:
kxinfo@kxnet.com

News:
Bismarck:
Phone: 701-223-9197
News Fax: 701-223-1985

News:
Minot:
Phone: 701-852-2104
News Fax: 701-838-1050
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and KXNET. All Rights Reserved.
For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.