New Tax Policy Leader at Treasury, New Taxpayer Poll

Shutdown Averted, For Now

Aviva Aron-Dine to serve as acting Treasury assistant secretary for tax policy. TaxNotes reports (paywall) that Aron-Dine, currently serving as deputy director at the National Economic Council, will begin her Treasury role in late February. She will succeed Lily Batchelder, who served in the role since Sept. 2021. Batchelder will return to the New York University School of Law. 

Poll: Two out of three taxpayers say they “spend too much” in federal taxes. A new poll from the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy and the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds a majority of taxpayers feel they pay too much in taxes. Many of them also say they receive a poor value in return. The poll further shows that few US adults have a high level of confidence government spending goes toward their best interests. 

Progressive advocates push for tax changes in Maryland. Progressive advocacy groups and state lawmakers are hoping to advance an omnibus bill that, when fully phased in, would raise $1.6 billion in revenue annually. Tax proposals include an income tax increase on those making more than $1 million, an expansion of the estate tax, a 1 percent capital gains surtax on wealthier taxpayers,  and a significant increase in the number of state tax auditors . Thus far, Gov. Wes Moore (D) and Senate President Bill Ferguson (D) have expressed concerns about raising taxes this year, news station WTOP reported.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly fulfills pledge, vetoes tax cut bill. The Democratic governor said the income tax changes approved by the Republican-led legislature would disproportionately favor the wealthy. The legislation would cut income, sales and property taxes by about $1.6 billion over three years. The bill’s supporters have 30 days to try to override the veto. 

 

For the latest tax news, subscribe to the Tax Policy Center’s Daily Deduction. Sign up here to have it delivered to your inbox weekdays at 8:00 am (Mondays only when Congress is in recess). We welcome tips on new research or other news. Email Renu Zaretsky at [email protected].

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *