In my column this morning, I briefly review some of the trial balloons floated this session by advocates of higher taxes. In addition, I cite three recent studies examining our state’s business tax burden.

We’ve written about the business tax research here previously. The three studies are the Tax Foundation’s Location Matters report, TF’s best state business tax climate study, and the Council on State Taxation’s assessment of business tax burdens.

While it’s likely we’ll not see any significant change in tax policy in the special session, many of the trial balloons can be expected to ascend again this fall. Here’s what I conclude in this morning’s column.

Lawmakers wisely chose not to increase business costs this session by repealing exemptions or introducing new taxes. Ideally, economic growth will eventually ease budget constraints, which is why states will continue to compete aggressively for new jobs and investment. And why taxes will continue to matter.

As we return to growth, it’s important that Washington policymakers not undercut our competitive position with ill-considered tax increases.