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Gov. Dan Malloy's tax hike plan has Greenwich retailers like childrens clothing store Polarn O. Pyret concerned that customers will spend less.
Part of Malloy's plan eliminates the tax exemption on clothing under $50. Minna Lindholm, an employee at Polarn O. Poynet, said she thinks that exemption has helped buyers. People forget that there isnt any tax under the $50 threshold," she said. Lindholm also noted that people are more inclined to buy once they there isn't any tax.
Connecticut residents may see higher taxes on hotel rooms, cigarettes, alcohol and gasoline. Luxury items from jewelry to designer clothing would see a surcharge and the state's tax-free week, held in late August during the back-to-school shopping season, would be eliminated under Malloy's plan.
Tom Weinstock, who was shopping in Greenwich Monday, said tax-free week is important because it helps many families save money. "I think people who live close to other states that have a tax-free week will migrate to other states," he said.
And shopper Anne Weinstock said that while the .25 percent sales tax hike won't make much difference, eliminating tax exemptions on clothing under $50 will. "Thats a big deal, particularly if you're buying for kids," she said. "It's not a luxury. You have to clothe kids"
Bill Mitchell, co-owner of high-end clothing store Richards, viewed the tax proposals as a necessary evil. "I don't like (them) personally because it effects me, my family and our businesses," he said. "But we have to balance the budget. So to me it seems that Malloy is trying to balance the budget and nothing is going to be pleasant. We all got ourselves into this mess. We all have to roll our sleeves up, be part of it and do it."
You can read more.
Here's what others in Fairfield County are saying about the governor's tax proposal:
Wilton Shop Owner Is Wary of Malloy Tax Hike
Darien Businesses Say Tax Hikes Would Hurt
New Canaanites Pan Proposed Tax Hikes
Proposed Tax Hikes Anger Some Norwalkers
Be part of the conversation: What do you think about hiking state taxes to balance the budget?
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