Ruth Simmons, the President of Brown University, wrote a letter to students last week expressing her opposition to legislation facing the Rhode Island state legislature that would allow cities and towns to levy taxes on colleges and universities.
“We already pay our ‘fair share,’” Simmons wrote in the letter.
Simmons also cited a report by independent consulting firm Appleseed Inc, that discovered Brown still contributes to Rhode Island’s economy despite the fact that it is a tax-exempt organization.
According to The Providence Journal, the proposed taxes on nonprofits stems from the desire to close an almost $50 million budget shortfall in the city’s budget for next year.
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.