First, you cited a per capita figure for “state” taxes. Have you forgotten that VT has a statewide tax for education? That means the total for state taxes in VT is much much higher than in other states where education taxes are local.

If you combine state & local taxes, VT ranks 18th.

Second, per capita taxes tells us nothing about the distribution of the so-called burden. It is a useless number. (do you know anyone named “per capita”?)

Third, when you factor in VT’s comparatively progressive tax structure, taxes for Vermonters are in the middle of the pack. The only fair way to compare the tax “burden” is to ask what someone earning $30,000, $50,000, $100,000, or $1 million pays in every state. JFO did this for 12 states and debunked the myth that you are perpetuating.

If we’re going to have a discussion about taxes, let’s make sure we’re using the relevant data and not cherry picking. We’ve had enough baloney from this governor and his friends.

According to the US Census Bureau, Vermont is #1 in tax per capita as of 2005.

http://www.census.gov/govs/statetax/05staxrank.html

Great article, and I must say I’m impressed with the vision of the site in general. I’m very happy to see that a group of people are taking on this monumental task. It is MUCH needed.

Thank you writing with your critical thoughts regarding the report I wrote on the GOP state committee meeting. At this event, I listened, looked, reported what I saw. Indeed, communication with public officials needs to be 2-way, with tough questioning. For example, I was unable to confirm a statement by Gov. Douglas to the effect that the “Tax Foundation” reported Vermont’s overall tax burden is highest in the nation.

I’ll be getting my questions ready and looking for my opportunity to ask them to people who should be answering. Keep your eyes out like this, and report problems where you see them, as you have done here, and you are providing a valuable public service, helping us all do a better job reporting.

Thank you again,
Dan Allen

did you or anyone else ask him to support that statement with evidence? or is it just received wisdom?

by reporting these comments (ad nauseum) without challenging them, the media (including this site) leaves some readers with the impression that they are true; shouldn’t governors and other elected officials be held to a higher standard?