PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The drive has begun anew to "end the tax breaks for the wealthy that got us into this mess," with a retooled proposal that would raise the income tax rate for those making $250,000 or more.
A year ago, advocates tried unsuccessfully to convince lawmakers to reinstate 9.99 percent as Rhode Island's top income tax rate to raise an estimated $131 million in additional revenue.
The proposal taking shape this year would raise the top rate from 5.99 percent to 7.99 percent. The labor-backed Rhode Islanders for Tax Equity is leading the drive.
In an interview on Monday, Ocean State Action Executive Director Kate Brock said the legislation is still "in the drafting phase," but "we are looking at a 2 percent increase on incomes over $250,000."
In an e-mail that went out earlier in the day, she wrote: "In the coming weeks Rep. [Maria] Cimini and Sen. [Juan] Pichardo will introduce critical legislation to end the failed economic policies of the past and rebuild our economy through investments not cuts.
"Join us today, and ask your legislators to fight for shared prosperity for all Rhode Islanders by adding their names to the Pichardo/Cimini Tax Equity Bill!"