After several long months and a very long day, the state budget is nearly finished. It includes income tax cuts of 8.5% the first year, 9% the second and 10% the third, with a 50% cut for small businesses, along with an increase in the state sales tax to 5.75% and some property tax changes. Republican Ron Amstutz chaired the conference committee.
“This is a very good package that’s being recommended to you,” said Amstutz.
Democrats blasted the tax cuts as benefiting the wealthy and the abortion-related measures that were included in it. And Democrat John Carney said there was no compromise by Republicans.
“They can’t compromise with the governor. They can’t compromise with themselves. They certainly haven’t worked to compromise with us,” says Carney.
One Senate Republican and seven House Republicans joined all Democrats in voting against the budget. All that’s left is a signature from the governor, which is expected to happen on Sunday.