Another bill to slash the state’s personal

income tax has moved through the state Senate over the objections

of Democrats who say critical state needs will take a hit.

The Senate voted 31-15 on Tuesday for a measure that trims the

top rate from the current level of 5.25 percent to 4.95 percent

beginning in 2013. The bill also contains triggers to further

reduce the income tax every year by one-quarter of 1 percent if

certain revenue growth triggers are met.

Initially, the bill slashed the top rate immediately to 2.25

percent and gradually eliminated the income tax, but Republican

leaders have acknowledged such a deep cut is unrealistic.

Democrats say reducing the income tax will threaten funding for

education, health care, public safety and transportation.