Month: September 2019

Sen. Needleman Calls for Department of Revenue Services to Change Interpretation of Sales Tax Application to Meals

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Sen. Needleman Calls for Department of Revenue
Services to Change Interpretation of Sales Tax Application to Meals

HARTFORD, CT –State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) on Monday called for the Department of Revenue Services to reassess its interpretation of a Policy Statement issued earlier this month. Sen. Needleman joined the state Senate Democratic Caucus in signing a letter to DRS Commissioner Scott D. Jackson requesting the DRS revise their interpretation. The letter is below.

“I am extremely concerned that the DRS interpretation of this budget goes significantly further than legislators intended when it was initially developed,” said Sen. Needleman. “The sheer scope of these new taxes, if implemented, would unnecessarily harm consumers. I join my colleagues in calling for the DRS to revise its interpretation and will work together with the Senate Democratic Caucus to fix this problem.”

The department’s interpretation of the budget broadens the base on meals and beverages covered by the sales tax, which is not the legislative intent of the budget and goes against the interpretation of all three nonpartisan offices. This interpretation would lead to a different fiscal note from the Office of Fiscal Analysis. DRS did not provide any feedback when the budget was heard in committee, nor did they when the language was included in the tax package that was voted out of the Finance Committee. Sen. Needleman expressed his disapproval of the department’s interpretation of the budget and the reaction from Republicans, who never proposed a budget this year.

Dear Commissioner Jackson:

We are writing in reference to the recent Department of Revenue Services Policy Statement (PS 2019(5)) that was issued on September 6, 2019.

We were shocked to see that DRS has somehow interpreted the language in the budget (PA. 19-117) to significantly broaden the base on what meals and beverages would be covered by the sales tax. This interpretation goes against the legislative intent of the new law and against the interpretation of the new law by all three of our nonpartisan offices.

As you may be aware, this language was incorporated in Raised Bill 7408 that was heard by the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee on April 10, 2019. Unfortunately, as has become commonplace, DRS did not testify on this bill, so if DRS did think this language would drastically increase the base of taxable items, that opinion was not shared with the General Assembly.

Subsequently, when this language was included in the tax package that was voted out of the Finance Committee (SB 877), again we were not given any DRS input on this interpretation.

Furthermore, during our extensive budget negotiations, and discussions of the fiscal implications of this language in the final budget, never did DRS or the Office of Policy and Management indicate that their interpretation of this language was any different than that of our Office of Fiscal Analysis or Office of Legislative Research.

This unexpected interpretation from DRS would lead to a drastically different fiscal note from OFA and a significant change to our budget assumptions currently adopted, something that was never intended by the General Assembly or the administration.

We are asking that DRS, in consultation with OPM, revise this Policy Statement to more accurately reflect the legislative intent that was clear to all parties during our budget negotiations.

Sen. Haskell Calls for Department of Revenue Services to Revise Interpretation of Sales Tax Application to Meals

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Sen. Haskell Calls for Department of Revenue
Services to Revise Interpretation of Sales Tax Application to Meals

HARTFORD, CT –State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) on Monday called for the Department of Revenue Services to reassess its interpretation of a Policy Statement issued earlier this month. Sen. Haskell joined the state Senate Democratic Caucus in signing a letter to DRS Commissioner Scott D. Jackson requesting the DRS revise their interpretation. The letter is below.

“This far-reaching reading of the budget, which expands the base of the sales taxes to many meals and beverages, is not in keeping with the letter or spirit of the budget we passed,” said Sen. Haskell. “I am worried about how these new taxes will impact my constituents, and I don’t think the state should be in the business of sneaking in new taxes outside of the normal legislative process. I join my colleagues in calling for revisions to the DRS’s guidance that reflect our intention in the budget.”

The department’s interpretation of the budget broadens the base on meals and beverages covered by the sales tax, which is not the legislative intent of the budget and goes against the interpretation of all three nonpartisan offices. This interpretation would lead to a different fiscal note from the Office of Fiscal Analysis. DRS did not provide any feedback when the budget was heard in committee, nor did they when the language was included in the tax package that was voted out of the Finance Committee. Sen. Haskell expressed his disapproval of the department’s interpretation of the budget and the reaction from Republicans, who never proposed a budget this year.

Dear Commissioner Jackson:

We are writing in reference to the recent Department of Revenue Services Policy Statement (PS 2019(5)) that was issued on September 6, 2019.

We were shocked to see that DRS has somehow interpreted the language in the budget (PA. 19-117) to significantly broaden the base on what meals and beverages would be covered by the sales tax. This interpretation goes against the legislative intent of the new law and against the interpretation of the new law by all three of our nonpartisan offices.

As you may be aware, this language was incorporated in Raised Bill 7408 that was heard by the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee on April 10, 2019. Unfortunately, as has become commonplace, DRS did not testify on this bill, so if DRS did think this language would drastically increase the base of taxable items, that opinion was not shared with the General Assembly.

Subsequently, when this language was included in the tax package that was voted out of the Finance Committee (SB 877), again we were not given any DRS input on this interpretation.

Furthermore, during our extensive budget negotiations, and discussions of the fiscal implications of this language in the final budget, never did DRS or the Office of Policy and Management indicate that their interpretation of this language was any different than that of our Office of Fiscal Analysis or Office of Legislative Research.

This unexpected interpretation from DRS would lead to a drastically different fiscal note from OFA and a significant change to our budget assumptions currently adopted, something that was never intended by the General Assembly or the administration.

We are asking that DRS, in consultation with OPM, revise this Policy Statement to more accurately reflect the legislative intent that was clear to all parties during our budget negotiations.

Sen. Anwar Calls for Department of Revenue Services to Change Interpretation of Sales Tax Application to Meals

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Sen. Anwar Calls for Department of Revenue
Services to Change Interpretation of Sales Tax Application to Meals

HARTFORD, CT –State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) on Monday called for the Department of Revenue Services to reassess its interpretation of a Policy Statement issued earlier this month. Sen. Anwar joined the state Senate Democratic Caucus in signing a letter to DRS Commissioner Scott D. Jackson requesting the DRS revise their interpretation. The letter is attached.

“The DRS clearly has interpreted this budget differently than how legislators created it,” said Sen. Anwar. “Many food and beverage products that would be sold with the increased tax were never intended to be included under its designs. My colleagues and I want to make it clear that we want to work and ensure this interpretation is changed, making sure no consumers are wrongfully impacted by it.”

The department’s interpretation of the budget broadens the base on meals and beverages covered by the sales tax, which is not the legislative intent of the budget and goes against the interpretation of all three nonpartisan offices. This interpretation would lead to a different fiscal note from the Office of Fiscal Analysis. DRS did not provide any feedback when the budget was heard in committee, nor did they when the language was included in the tax package that was voted out of the Finance Committee. Sen. Anwar expressed his disapproval of the department’s interpretation of the budget and the reaction from Republicans, who never proposed a budget this year.

Dear Commissioner Jackson:

We are writing in reference to the recent Department of Revenue Services Policy Statement (PS 2019(5)) that was issued on September 6, 2019.

We were shocked to see that DRS has somehow interpreted the language in the budget (PA. 19-117) to significantly broaden the base on what meals and beverages would be covered by the sales tax. This interpretation goes against the legislative intent of the new law and against the interpretation of the new law by all three of our nonpartisan offices.

As you may be aware, this language was incorporated in Raised Bill 7408 that was heard by the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee on April 10, 2019. Unfortunately, as has become commonplace, DRS did not testify on this bill, so if DRS did think this language would drastically increase the base of taxable items, that opinion was not shared with the General Assembly.

Subsequently, when this language was included in the tax package that was voted out of the Finance Committee (SB 877), again we were not given any DRS input on this interpretation.

Furthermore, during our extensive budget negotiations, and discussions of the fiscal implications of this language in the final budget, never did DRS or the Office of Policy and Management indicate that their interpretation of this language was any different than that of our Office of Fiscal Analysis or Office of Legislative Research.

This unexpected interpretation from DRS would lead to a drastically different fiscal note from OFA and a significant change to our budget assumptions currently adopted, something that was never intended by the General Assembly or the administration.

We are asking that DRS, in consultation with OPM, revise this Policy Statement to more accurately reflect the legislative intent that was clear to all parties during our budget negotiations.

 

Sen. Maroney, Rep. Rose Release Statement Calling for Department of Revenue Services to Change Interpretation of Sales Tax Application to Meals

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Sen. Maroney, Rep. Rose Release Statement Calling for Department of Revenue
Services to Change Interpretation of Sales Tax Application to Meals

HARTFORD, CT –State Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) and state Representative Kim Rose (D-Milford) expressed their displeasure with the Department of Revenue Services’ (DRS) Policy Statement issued on September, 6, 2019. Sen. Maroney joined the state Senate Democratic Caucus Monday, signing a letter to DRS Commissioner Scott D. Jackson requesting the DRS revise their interpretation. The letter is below.

The department’s interpretation of the budget broadens the base on meals and beverages covered by the sales tax, which is not the legislative intent of the budget and goes against the interpretation of all three nonpartisan offices. This interpretation would lead to a different fiscal note from the Office of Fiscal Analysis. DRS did not provide any feedback when the budget was heard in committee, nor did they when the language was included in the tax package that was voted out of the Finance Committee. Sen. Maroney and Rep. Rose expressed their disapproval of the department’s interpretation of the budget and the reaction from Republicans, who never proposed a budget this year.

“I am deeply disappointed in the Department of Revenue Services interpretation of the budget and decision to expand the restaurant tax to prepared foods sold in grocery stores,” said Sen. Maroney. “This was not the intent of this budget. When I voted for this budget, I did so encouraged by the fact it will close a $3.7 billion deficit, expand our rainy day fund to $2.7 billion, eliminate the business entity tax, stop taxes on social security income and set aside funding for a program to help veteran’s find advanced manufacturing jobs. I am hopeful DRS will revise their policy statement so it fulfills its’ original intent.”

“These DRS guidelines are not only confusing, but are also way out of step with what we wrote in the year’s budget,” said Rep. Rose. “The budget takes solid steps toward ensuring fiscal stability in our state, but not by balancing books off the backs of working families. I hope that Commissioner Jackson and his team over at DRS will reconsider these guidelines. Shame on my colleagues across the aisle for continuing to resort to bad faith press conferences rather than an honest conversation. Let’s fix this together.”

Dear Commissioner Jackson:

We are writing in reference to the recent Department of Revenue Services Policy Statement (PS 2019(5)) that was issued on September 6, 2019.

We were shocked to see that DRS has somehow interpreted the language in the budget (PA. 19-117) to significantly broaden the base on what meals and beverages would be covered by the sales tax. This interpretation goes against the legislative intent of the new law and against the interpretation of the new law by all three of our nonpartisan offices.

As you may be aware, this language was incorporated in Raised Bill 7408 that was heard by the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee on April 10, 2019. Unfortunately, as has become commonplace, DRS did not testify on this bill, so if DRS did think this language would drastically increase the base of taxable items, that opinion was not shared with the General Assembly.

Subsequently, when this language was included in the tax package that was voted out of the Finance Committee (SB 877), again we were not given any DRS input on this interpretation.

Furthermore, during our extensive budget negotiations, and discussions of the fiscal implications of this language in the final budget, never did DRS or the Office of Policy and Management indicate that their interpretation of this language was any different than that of our Office of Fiscal Analysis or Office of Legislative Research.

This unexpected interpretation from DRS would lead to a drastically different fiscal note from OFA and a significant change to our budget assumptions currently adopted, something that was never intended by the General Assembly or the administration.

We are asking that DRS, in consultation with OPM, revise this Policy Statement to more accurately reflect the legislative intent that was clear to all parties during our budget negotiations.

Sen. Abrams Calls for Department of Revenue Services to Change Interpretation of Sales Tax Application to Meals

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Sen. Abrams Calls for Department of Revenue
Services to Change Interpretation of Sales Tax Application to Meals

HARTFORD, CT –State Senator Mary Daugherty Abrams (D-Meriden, Middlefield, Rockfall, Middletown, Cheshire) on Monday called for the Department of Revenue Services to reassess its interpretation of a Policy Statement issued earlier this month. Sen. Abrams joined the state Senate Democratic Caucus in signing a letter to DRS Commissioner Scott D. Jackson requesting the DRS revise their interpretation. The letter is below.

“I was extremely concerned to hear the interpretation of this change went much further than legislators intended in its development,” said Sen. Abrams. “It is clear that the DRS expanded these taxes to cover a significant number of products, instead of the more restrained changes intended when the budget was developed and approved earlier this year. I join my colleagues in calling for revisions before any consumers are financially impacted.”

The department’s interpretation of the budget broadens the base on meals and beverages covered by the sales tax, which is not the legislative intent of the budget and goes against the interpretation of all three nonpartisan offices. This interpretation would lead to a different fiscal note from the Office of Fiscal Analysis. DRS did not provide any feedback when the budget was heard in committee, nor did they when the language was included in the tax package that was voted out of the Finance Committee. Sen. Abrams expressed her disapproval of the department’s interpretation of the budget.

Dear Commissioner Jackson:

We are writing in reference to the recent Department of Revenue Services Policy Statement (PS 2019(5)) that was issued on September 6, 2019.

We were shocked to see that DRS has somehow interpreted the language in the budget (PA. 19-117) to significantly broaden the base on what meals and beverages would be covered by the sales tax. This interpretation goes against the legislative intent of the new law and against the interpretation of the new law by all three of our nonpartisan offices.

As you may be aware, this language was incorporated in Raised Bill 7408 that was heard by the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee on April 10, 2019. Unfortunately, as has become commonplace, DRS did not testify on this bill, so if DRS did think this language would drastically increase the base of taxable items, that opinion was not shared with the General Assembly.

Subsequently, when this language was included in the tax package that was voted out of the Finance Committee (SB 877), again we were not given any DRS input on this interpretation.

Furthermore, during our extensive budget negotiations, and discussions of the fiscal implications of this language in the final budget, never did DRS or the Office of Policy and Management indicate that their interpretation of this language was any different than that of our Office of Fiscal Analysis or Office of Legislative Research.

This unexpected interpretation from DRS would lead to a drastically different fiscal note from OFA and a significant change to our budget assumptions currently adopted, something that was never intended by the General Assembly or the administration.

We are asking that DRS, in consultation with OPM, revise this Policy Statement to more accurately reflect the legislative intent that was clear to all parties during our budget negotiations.

 

Looney, Senate Democrats Call on DRS to Change Interpretation of Sales Tax Application to Meals

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Looney, Senate Democrats Call on DRS to Change Interpretation of Sales Tax Application to Meals

HARTFORD – Today, Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), and fellow Democratic state senators called on the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS) to change its interpretation of the sales tax application to meals. The Democratic Senators believe this unexpected interpretation from DRS does not reflect the legislative intent that was clear to all parties during budget negotiations.

In the letter the Democratic Senators state:

“We were shocked to see that DRS has somehow interpreted the language in the budget (PA. 19-117) to significantly broaden the base on what meals and beverages would be covered by the sales tax. This interpretation goes against the legislative intent of the new law and against the interpretation of the new law by all three of our nonpartisan offices.”

Full text of letter:

September 16, 2019

Commissioner Scott D. Jackson
Department of Revenue Services
450 Columbus Boulevard
Hartford CT 06103

Dear Commissioner Jackson:

We are writing in reference to the recent Department of Revenue Services Policy Statement (PS 2019(5)) that was issued on September 6, 2019.

We were shocked to see that DRS has somehow interpreted the language in the budget (PA. 19-117) to significantly broaden the base on what meals and beverages would be covered by the sales tax. This interpretation goes against the legislative intent of the new law and against the interpretation of the new law by all three of our nonpartisan offices.

As you may be aware, this language was incorporated in Raised Bill 7408 that was heard by the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee on April 10, 2019. Unfortunately, as has become commonplace, DRS did not testify on this bill, so if DRS did think this language would drastically increase the base of taxable items, that opinion was not shared with the General Assembly.

Subsequently, when this language was included in the tax package that was voted out of the Finance Committee (SB 877), again we were not given any DRS input on this interpretation.

Furthermore, during our extensive budget negotiations, and discussions of the fiscal implications of this language in the final budget, never did DRS or the Office of Policy and Management indicate that their interpretation of this language was any different than that of our Office of Fiscal Analysis or Office of Legislative Research.

This unexpected interpretation from DRS would lead to a drastically different fiscal note from OFA and a significant change to our budget assumptions currently adopted, something that was never intended by the General Assembly or the administration.

We are asking that DRS, in consultation with OPM, revise this Policy Statement to more accurately reflect the legislative intent that was clear to all parties during our budget negotiations.

 

Sen. Cohen Releases Statement Calling for Department of Revenue Services to Change Interpretation of Sales Tax Application to Meals

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Sen. Cohen Releases Statement Calling for Department of Revenue
Services to Change Interpretation of Sales Tax Application to Meals

HARTFORD, CT – Today, state Senator Christine Cohen (D-Guilford) expressed disapproval of the Department of Revenue Services’ (DRS) Policy Statement issued on September, 6, 2019. Sen. Cohen joined her colleagues in the Senate Democratic Caucus, signing onto a letter to DRS Commissioner Scott D. Jackson requesting the DRS revise the Policy Statement. The letter is below.

The department’s interpretation of the budget broadens the base on meals and beverages covered by the sales tax, which is not the legislative intent of the budget and goes against the interpretation of all three nonpartisan offices. This interpretation would lead to a different fiscal note from the Office of Fiscal Analysis. DRS did not provide any feedback when the budget was heard in committee, nor did they when the language was included in the tax package that was voted out of the Finance Committee. Sen. Cohen noted her reservations with this portion of the budget upon the proposal’s release in June.

“The Department of Revenue Services’ interpretation of the budget is far outside the scope of intention and acceptability,” said Sen. Cohen. “When I voted for this budget, I did so knowing that portions of it were necessary and would create positive forward moment for our state. While as a small business owner in the food business, I thought that an additional tax on prepared food would be overly burdensome to businesses and residents, I recognized the compromise required in passing a budget. There were many items within the document that warranted its passage. However, the department’s Policy Statement is not reflective of the original purpose, regardless of my agreement of the content. I know how cumbersome another tax would be and am aware of the impact this will have on working families across the state. For these reasons, I am emphatically against this additional taxation and I am asking that the DRS review the original intent and revise their Policy Statement. Should that not occur, I will work with like-minded colleagues and constituents to seek a repeal of the provision.”

September 16, 2019

Commissioner Scott D. Jackson
Department of Revenue Services
450 Columbus Boulevard
Hartford CT 06103

Dear Commissioner Jackson:

We are writing in reference to the recent Department of Revenue Services Policy Statement (PS 2019(5)) that was issued on September 6, 2019.

We were shocked to see that DRS has somehow interpreted the language in the budget (PA. 19-117) to significantly broaden the base on what meals and beverages would be covered by the sales tax. This interpretation goes against the legislative intent of the new law and against the interpretation of the new law by all three of our nonpartisan offices.

As you may be aware, this language was incorporated in Raised Bill 7408 that was heard by the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee on April 10, 2019. Unfortunately, as has become commonplace, DRS did not testify on this bill, so if DRS did think this language would drastically increase the base of taxable items, that opinion was not shared with the General Assembly.

Subsequently, when this language was included in the tax package that was voted out of the Finance Committee (SB 877), again we were not given any DRS input on this interpretation.

Furthermore, during our extensive budget negotiations, and discussions of the fiscal implications of this language in the final budget, never did DRS or the Office of Policy and Management indicate that their interpretation of this language was any different than that of our Office of Fiscal Analysis or Office of Legislative Research.

This unexpected interpretation from DRS would lead to a drastically different fiscal note from OFA and a significant change to our budget assumptions currently adopted, something that was never intended by the General Assembly or the administration.

We are asking that DRS, in consultation with OPM, revise this Policy Statement to more accurately reflect the legislative intent that was clear to all parties during our budget negotiations.

Westport Officials Issue Statement After Antisemitic Vandalism Found at Staples High School

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Westport Officials Issue Statement After Antisemitic Vandalism Found at Staples High School

WESTPORT, CT – Today, elected officials from Westport issued the following statement after antisemitic vandalism, including images, was found at Staples High School late last week:

On behalf of the Town of Westport, we denounce the despicable antisemitic vandalism that was discovered last night at Staples High School. Hatred, bias and terror have no place in Westport or any community.

We are grateful that the leadership of the Westport School District and Staples High School administration are handling this situation with sensitivity, and in full collaboration with our police force and the Anti-Defamation League. We will continue to work in partnership with the ADL to address the deeper problems that result in these incidents.

Westport is a community long known for tolerance and respect. We are committed to re-doubling our efforts to teach our children and ourselves the importance of fighting bigotry and intolerance, and we will not be deterred from our continued vision that all are welcome and valued in our community.

Jim Marpe, First Selectman
Jennifer Tooker, Selectwoman
Melissa Kane, Selectwoman
Senator Tony Hwang
Senator Will Haskell
Representative Gail Lavielle
Representative Jonathan Steinberg

Duff Supports Eliminating Vaccination Exemptions

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Duff Supports Eliminating Vaccination Exemptions

Today, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) released the following statement in support of eliminating vaccination exemptions for children at Connecticut public schools:

“When children are not vaccinated it jeopardizes their health and safety, as well as the health of others around them. Rolling back the religious exemption from vaccines is a step in the right direction towards addressing this issue, and I’m pleased that the Department of Health and the Commissioner support this measure. Low immunization rates are a serious public health concern and it’s critical that we work with health professionals across the state to fight back against misinformation on this topic.”

Sen. Lesser, Senate Democrats Call on Department of Revenue Services to Change Interpretation of Sales Tax Application to Meals

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Sen. Lesser, Senate Democrats Call on Department of Revenue
Services to Change Interpretation of Sales Tax Application to Meals

HARTFORD, CT – Today, state Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown) called on the Department of Revenue Services to revise their sales tax application to meals. The Senator said the interpretation is not reflective of the legislative intent of the budget.

Full text of the letter is below:

September 16, 2019

Commissioner Scott D. Jackson
Department of Revenue Services
450 Columbus Boulevard
Hartford CT 06103

Dear Commissioner Jackson:

I am writing in reference to the recent Department of Revenue Services Policy Statement (PS 2019(5)) that was issued on September 6, 2019.

I appreciate the work of the Department of Revenue Services and believe the interpretation has gone beyond the scope intended by the legislature. This interpretation goes against the legislative intent of the new law and against the interpretation of the new law by all three of our nonpartisan offices.

As you may be aware, this language was incorporated in Raised Bill 7408 that was heard by the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee on April 10, 2019 and again when it was included in the tax package that was voted out of the Finance Committee (SB 877).

It is important to ensure the department’s interpretation is reflective of the legislative intent to avoid a drastically different fiscal note from the Office of Fiscal Analysis and a significant change to our budget assumptions currently adopted.

I am joining my colleagues in the Senate Democratic Caucus in asking that DRS, in consultation with OPM, revise this Policy Statement to more accurately reflect the legislative intent that was clear to all parties during our budget negotiations.

Senator Matt Lesser