Speaker Mattiello: ‘There haven’t been tax cuts for the rich’

In a wide-ranging interview with NBC 10 Bill Rappleye, House Speaker Nick Mattiello said taxes were not reduced for Rhode Island’s richest residents.

“There haven’t been tax cuts for the rich,” Mattiello said. “When folks refer to that I’m not sure what they are referring to. If you can point to the tax cuts to the rich I’ll be happy to consider that.”

At 8:00 minute mark:

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In a follow-up interview with me, I guess that maybe Mattiello thinks the income tax rate cut to Rhode Island’s highest earners has been offset by the fewer exemptions they can claim. These were changed when the rate was lowered.  I also point out that raising the estate tax exemption is a tax cut for the rich.News, Weather and Classifieds for Southern New England

I also point out that there are better ways to have a positive impact on jobs and economy than slashing taxes on retirement income – such as legalizing marijuana and increasing the earned income tax credit.