The Blue Ribbon Tax Structure Commission issued their report this morning with its examinations on our tax system and recommendations on tax reform. (Find details at http://www.vermonttaxreform.org/.)

The Lake Champlain Chamber of Commerce was an early and enthusiastic supporter of convening a Blue Ribbon Tax Commission to review the antiquated and patchwork system that defines Vermont’s current tax code. We have followed the work and deliberations of the Commission, providing written and in-person testimony along the way.

We support the principles outlined by the Commission – fairness, competitiveness, simplicity, and ensuring that every taxpayer is paying something into the system. As the Commission releases its final report and the analysis commences, the Chamber will consider each of the recommendations proposed. Since the reforms will likely produce winners and losers among our members we anticipate assisting policymakers in understanding the diversity of their perspectives. Staff will ensure that those voices are heard in Montpelier as law makers consider various recommendations.

The Chamber is committed to ensuring that whichever reforms are passed do not have unintended consequences that place Vermont at a competitive disadvantage. The goal of this reform must be that our state is better positioned than it was before and that the changes are durable and can live well into the future.

Please contact me with any questions at tom@vermont.org or (802) 863-3489 ext 202.