Halifax, NS: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is applauding the Houston government for running a surplus in the 2021-22 fiscal year instead of a previously projected deficit.

“Today’s fiscal update is great news for taxpayers,” said CTF Interim Atlantic Director Jay Goldberg. “The Houston government has balanced the books, which bodes well for future generations. A balanced budget means less debt, lower interest costs and more room to provide tax relief.”

The Houston government originally projected a deficit of $585 million for fiscal year 2021-22, but the province ended the year with a $351-million surplus.

The CTF is now calling on the Houston government to end bracket creep. Bracket creep happens when governments fail to index income tax brackets to inflation. As a result, inflation pushes taxpayers into higher tax brackets even though they don’t have more money in real terms. The federal government and most provinces index tax brackets; only Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island continue to raise taxes through bracket creep.

“With a surplus of over $300 million, now is the time for the Houston government to finally end bracket creep,” said Goldberg. “With sky-high inflation, there’s never been a more urgent time to end the hidden and regressive tax.”