3 ms·

First off, the payroll tax applies only to companies with payrolls > $250k; does your demand for 'equal protection' mean that you insist on companies of all siz

First off, the payroll tax applies only to companies with payrolls > $250k; does your demand for 'equal protection' mean that you insist on companies of all sizes paying this tax? Second, the tax break is not Twitter-specific (although even if it were, that would not be unconstitutional). It applies to businesses located in a certain part of SF, and it exempts a company from the first six years of payroll taxes. Third, city supervisors have the authority to adjust tax structures with a level of geographic-granularity. Why shouldn't they be allowed to make a dumpy part of town more attractive to businesses? Do you complain when cities and states make themselves more attractive to outside businesses by giving exemptions to certain classes of companies? Do you complain when cities block big-box stores like Walmart from opening in their limits? (Since those are as targeted as this exemption.)

hugh3 16y ago
Do you complain when cities and states make themselves more attractive to outside businesses by giving exemptions to certain classes of companies? Do you complain when cities block big-box stores like Walmart from opening in their limits? (Since those are as targeted as this exemption.) Personally, yes, I complain about both of these. As for this specific deal... I'm not too concerned about it, but I think it's the kind of special deal that cities shouldn't be allowed to make. There's just too much potential for corruption when city hall can say "OK, businesses inside this particular neighbourhood don't have to pay taxes". (Gee, Mr Mayor, I've been so good to you with campaign donations over the years, how about you declare my block to be dumpy too?)
OstiaAntica 16y ago
All of this company-specific state and local tax policy, which has proliferated in recent years, is highly irregular, prone to corruption, and violates the spirit of the constitution and American capitalism. Governments should strive to treat everyone equally in the business world, and not use tax policy to play favorites and pick winners and losers. If the underlying policy is bad for the city it should be repealed city-wide. Local zoning is different from tax policy, it is the customized, company-specific tax handouts that are objectionable.

hugh3 16y ago

Do you complain when cities and states make themselves more attractive to outside businesses by giving exemptions to certain classes of companies? Do you complain when cities block big-box stores like Walmart from opening in their limits? (Since those are as targeted as this exemption.) Personally, yes, I complain about both of these. As for this specific deal... I'm not too concerned about it, but I think it's the kind of special deal that cities shouldn't be allowed to make. There's just too much potential for corruption when city hall can say "OK, businesses inside this particular neighbourhood don't have to pay taxes". (Gee, Mr Mayor, I've been so good to you with campaign donations over the years, how about you declare my block to be dumpy too?)

OstiaAntica 16y ago

All of this company-specific state and local tax policy, which has proliferated in recent years, is highly irregular, prone to corruption, and violates the spirit of the constitution and American capitalism. Governments should strive to treat everyone equally in the business world, and not use tax policy to play favorites and pick winners and losers. If the underlying policy is bad for the city it should be repealed city-wide. Local zoning is different from tax policy, it is the customized, company-specific tax handouts that are objectionable.