ReveNews: Spring into Action
April 28, 2025
In this issue of ReveNews, we offer a roundup of state policy and action, a new report from SRA and IPS countering the wealth-flight myth, and some good news on the revenue front at the federal level. Plus, more policy and organizing resources and meet our new staffer, Jaymie!
IN THE STATES….
Tax policy is a tough business, and on top of a challenging start to the year (for many, and for many reasons) we are so proud to share the incredible success of hundreds of people who have organized, strategized, fought back, and made this a spring (that we sprung!) into action.
While there are setbacks and terrible policies to note, and plenty more to do, please take a “Spring Break” to consider the progress we’ve made as a movement.
Your collective contributions including advocacy, resources, and community building have led to policies and coalitions that are creating a new standard for progressive legislative campaigning that is winning tax justice in our states at this critical moment.
For a look at how states are using the 2025 legislative session to defend budgets and people from a potential federal “fiscal tsunami,” check out this new piece by SRA’s Amber Wallin.
In Maryland, Governor Wes Moore signed a budget that includes two new high-earner brackets ($500k and $ 1 million), a 3% tax on information technology services, a new 2% tax on capital gains for people with income over $350,000, as well as tax hikes on recreational cannabis and sports wagering.
Since 2018, New Mexico has been on a journey to reform their tax code, protect the environment, and create a new economy that works for everyone. In the latest victory, the state passed an increase in the top royalty rate for oil and gas development on New Mexico’s state trust lands.
Around the country, advocates are pushing for new revenue raisers that demand the wealthy pay what they owe in state taxes. Bills that are still alive or passed at least one chamber include:
New high-earner income brackets and capital gains taxes in Connecticut, Hawaii, Minnesota, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont; and
A wealth tax in Rhode Island and one that passed the Washington Senate; and
Progressive real estate transfer taxes in New Jersey, Nevada and Maine and
Higher corporate taxes in Alaska and New York; combined reporting in Maryland and a bill to combat offshore tax avoidance in Massachusetts.
In a defensive gem, Louisiana voters dramatically brushed aside a Constitutional Amendment that would have reduced essential state funding and rewritten a bunch of the state’s tax code to favor the wealthy.
FOR THE STATES…
In all the legislative action, you could have missed a bunch of new resources from SRA, ITEP, CBPP and others – so here’s a short recap. Feel free to reach out for more information.
From us, your friendly State Revenue Alliance team:
An updated and condensed 2-page basic revenue message guidance
A look at how state tax policy showed up in the news, with SRA’s 2025 Quarter 1 Media Report – pssst, check out slide 7.
A compilation of resources on the economy and taxes.
The State Rankings Database with state info from nearly 20 different sources and our tax and revenue support model with state, congressional, and state house and senate district modeling data on tax issues.
From the Institute for Policy Studies and SRA: A brand new report on the growth of millionaires in four states, including Massachusetts and Washington state that has data post-higher taxes.
From the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy on the harmful state impacts of federal budget and immigration policy.
From the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, bookmark (is that something people still do?) a blog on state tax moves with an easy to digest impact on residents. TABOR and Iowa’s recent decision to phase out their income tax. Plus, more resources and state-level data on the impact from the federal budget.
From Good Jobs First: A bunch of databases to see if an individual or company has a record of tax issues, federal fines.
ON THE NATIONAL SCENE…
It’s been a busy few weeks on the federal tax scene as Congressional leaders and the Administration are (still) attempting to get agreement on a tax bill.
SRA partners are putting it all on the line with their state coalitions and national partners – including SRA, Fair Share America and Families over Billionaires–to defeat any federal attempts to pay for tax cuts by gutting Medicaid, SNAP and other essential services.
On April 10th, hundreds gathered on Capitol Hill for a huge lobby day and rally. Check out some of the pictures and FSA’s leader Kristen Crowell’s profile in the Boston Globe. The timing couldn’t have been better, because while on the same day the House passed a reconciliation framework by one vote, Congress got the message that our movement is expanding and becoming more powerful. Nearly 500 people from 32 states from as far away as Georgia, Alaska and Utah were part of the event, and connected with roughly 150 member offices.
April is always an opportunity for activists to highlight the important role taxes play in our society. This year, we made sure everyone knew what is at stake in the federal tax debate. Numerous protests, rallies, and town halls contributed to making tax justice and the rich pay their fair share the message this Tax Day!
FSA has updated State Impact Docs with state-specific numbers showing the real impact of proposed federal cuts.
DID YOU KNOW?
…We have a new fabulous colleague at the State Revenue Alliance. Her name is Jaymie and to know her is to love her, and be impressed too. Here’s her bio and email is jaymie@staterevenuealliance.org; don’t hesitate to reach out!
Check it out:
On Thursday, April 24th, the SRA Monthly call featured 2025 tax success stories from several states. If you missed it, here’s the link to the slides. Our next monthly meeting on May 29th will focus on Revenue and Early Childhood, you can RSVP here.
Read this article in the Chronicle of Philanthropy featuring state and federal tax advocacy as an underfunded way to “lift the working class and strengthen democracy.” SRA is named in the piece.
You love a good bumper sticker, right? Here’s an offer you shouldn’t refuse – an ITEP “I pay more taxes than Tesla” for your car, bike or office. Email Jon Whiten at jon@itep.org and he’ll send you one. For free!
To send ideas for this newsletter, email jonathan@staterevenuealliance.org.