Shumlin opposes bid to tax professional services

MONPELIER, Vermont (AP) - Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin says he’s against a proposal to extend the sales tax to professional services.

The Senate Finance Committee is considering the proposal by committee chairman Tim Ashe.

Ashe says revenues from the sales tax on merchandise are stagnant and new taxes have to be considered.

Shumlin says every time the state changes its sales tax, “it’s a huge gift to New Hampshire.”

Vermont Public Radio quotes Shumlin as saying (https://bit.ly/1E8YuPT ) he doesn’t have anything against New Hampshire, he just doesn’t want to drive the Granite State’s economic development.

The Senate Finance committee is hoping to have a draft plan ready before the Legislature adjourns next month.