Letter: George Nardone: Let's reduce the oppressive sales tax in Rhode Island

It is becoming harder for Rhode Island to retain its resident tax base, let alone maintain and grow programs and services in our stagnant economy. It is time for the 5% sales tax cut that was promised by our legislators in 2011 to be enacted.

A ruling last year by the Supreme Court (South Dakota v. Wayfair) allowing states to impose internet taxes, and the broadening of the line item in the Rhode Island sales tax to include the internet, remote sellers and other products and services, has effectively triggered the retrofit as intended in the original legislation.

I have submitted House Bill 5854, along with my colleagues Minority Leader Blake Filippi and Rep. Sherry Roberts, to clarify the language intended in the legislation and spur this much needed relief in our Fiscal Year 2020 budget.

 Maintaining the highest sales tax in New England at 7% affects moderate- to low-income Rhode Islanders more than their wealthier neighbors because they spend most of their income on providing for their families. Republicans want to lower taxes for families who are struggling to afford their groceries and clothes for their growing children. A lower sales tax can only help expand retail sales, retail employment, retail brick-and-mortar storefronts and more spending in the community. We should be promoting growth in retail spaces verses boarding these businesses up and watching them move out.

 This is good government. This is good policy. This is keeping a promise to those who elected us to represent them.

George Nardone

Coventry

The writer is a Republican state representative.