(Disclosure: Rose Law Group represents Ann Siner of My Sister’s Closet and Judge John Buttrick in their litigation efforts against 208.)
By Robert Robb | Arizona Republic
On tax policy, state Sen. J.D. Mesnard is as skilled and well-versed a legislator as has been seen in many a decade.
And darn if he isn’t moving through the Legislature a bill that would largely gut Proposition 208’s high income tax rate without running afoul of the state Constitution’s Voter Protection Act.
Proposition 208 imposed a surcharge on incomes over $250,000 for individuals and $500,000 for joint returns. The surcharge would put Arizona’s maximum rate at 8%, one of the highest in the country.
During the campaign, there was a debate about the effect Proposition 208 would have on small businesses. There were distortions on both sides, although consequentially more so by proponents.