Cathy Lund, Providence Business and Home Owner
From Cathy Lund's testimony to the House Finance Committee:
"My name is Cathy Lund. I'm a veterinarian, and I own City Kitty, a cat practice in Providence in the Jewelry District. I'm also a proud resident of the Southside."
"I'm here today because I love Providence. To me, it is the most amazing and beautiful urban center in all of New England. But in many ways, I think we forget just how fragile it is, and assume that the city will endure unassisted for hundreds more years. Our capital, this gorgeous architectural and cultural mix, is in mortal peril. Without the proper financial support, our city is at risk. And all of us should commit to protect Providence, because if we lose Providence, we lose what is in many ways the heart and soul of the state."
"As a resident and a small business owner, I pay taxes. I have 10 employees who contribute to the local economy. We all know times are difficult. Why should some not contribute to the cost of keeping our city strong? Fair share is just that. Services cost money, and paying for them fosters civic responsibility. Subsidies should be reserved for those who need help, not for enormous non-profit entities and non-resident students. If Providence is strong, the entire state will benefit. We must do our part to make sure that our capital city flourishes for generations to come."
Gregory Stevens, Olneyville Business Owner
Small business owners, like Gregory Stevens, whose Olneyville New York System Restaurant has been in business since 1946, say there is already a heavy property tax burden in the City and with big non-profits acquiring more real estate that means there will be even less taxable property on the City rolls. It's time, Stevens says, for the non-profits to contribute in a more equitable way.
"We are left with the financial responsibility for our City services, and whenever there is a need for more income, it is put on small businesses like mine, whereas these large non-profit institutions aren't contributing what they should," Stevens said. "The trend is going in the wrong direction, and with colleges and hospitals buying more City land, that means the burden on property taxpayers will only grow more. Something has to change."
Steven Meresi, Providence Businessman and Homeowner
"I firmly believe the tax structure is out of control. We've had enough of raised taxes. I support this legislation to protect property owners and small businesses in the city."
Charles A. Lombardi, North Providence Mayor
"The word today is fairness. It is a very significant financial crisis we are facing. It's come to a point that taxpayers can no longer bear the entire burden of providing services to these large non-profit institutions."
Peter S. Mancini, Providence City Council President
"Non-profits are extremely important, but we need them to contribute more to do their fair share. We can't be asking homeowners to do more. We are arguing that things as they stand now are out of balance."
Terrence Hassett, Providence City Council Majority Leader
"As it stands now, I believe there is a level of unfairness. These are difficult times and taxpayers already pay an awful lot. This has to stop. We have to get to a point where there is a fair standard applied for everyone, this includes hospitals and colleges."
Michael A. Solomon, Providence City Councilman
"From the perspective of the local small business owner, I think it's fair to say that all property taxpayers are overburdened but the small business owner gets hit the hardest. They provide critical functions for our city and as it stands now they are paying more than their fair share."
Michael B. Isaacs, East Greenwich Town Council President
"Our support derives from our concern for taxpayers in host communities throughout the state. New England Institute of Technology plans to move Rocky Point taking one of the few remaining open parcels in East Greenwich and that means the town will lose the opportunity for approximately $676,000 in property tax revenue."
Dan Beardsley, Executive Director RI League of Cities and Towns
"This legislation is fair, it's enabling and I believe it's time has come."