It would be highly unusual if our state legislators were not asked which tax bills will be approved in 2021. One Senate File proposes changes to funding of mental health and questions about this arose at Saturday’s Carroll Chamber of Commerce Legislative Forum. District 6 Senator, Craig Williams, says he is both a yes and a no on different aspects of this bill.
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On the other hand, changes would make the state responsible for funding
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Williams adds, with mental health issues and needs increasing, he is not sure of any other way. District 12 House Representative, Brian Best, agrees.
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He echoes Williams’ sentiments, saying the conundrum is how to use an increased allocation of state funding and maintain that local control—a way to maintain local control is necessary. Best says he is not in favor of another aspect of the bill calling for removing the backfill to fund any part of this. This, in addition to a few other points within the legislation, may complicate passage.
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Williams agrees that there are some stumbling blocks to getting this bill passed as is, and that it will require some fine tuning before going to the governor’s desk.
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Williams adds, he is not sure why in the 2018 tax law changes triggers were included that lower taxes when the state’s income level is above a certain amount. He is in favor of removing those. This bill and three or four other bills going to the House also include elimination of triggers. Carroll Broadcasting will bring you more from the final Legislative Forum of the year in upcoming newscasts.