Raising The State Sales Tax Not Off The Table

Raising the sales tax is emerging as a possible way to close the state's budget gap, considering that legislators are reluctant to accept Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's proposals that would sharply cut aid to some local communities.

As the state needs millions to close a projected budget deficit of $1.7 billion in the next fiscal year, increasing the 6.35 percent state sales tax is one option.

House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz of Berlin said he has studied the numbers closely in the $20 billion annual budget and won't rule out tax increases.

"I don't think we can go into these negotiations taking anything off the table," he said. "I'm open to any and every idea out there. ... That might be sales tax. That may be user fees."

Read more: http://www.courant.com/politics/hc-state-sales-tax-20170330-story.html