With Rhode Island's economic recovery still trailing our New England neighbors, there is no better time for the General Assembly to launch a measured study of the way we levy the taxes that pay for roads, schools and social services.
The Assembly has set up two initiatives on taxes. One would evaluate economic development tax breaks to determine what benefits they bring to our economic well-being. Some of the questions that hopefully will be answered: Do tax incentives for Hollywood movies generate enough jobs to be worth it. How about the tax credits that are used to restore historic buildings? And do communities that grant developers property tax relief get enough benefit to offset the cost burden they place on businesses and homeowners?
Read the full commentary at ripr.org.