BOSTON -- It's the kind of ballot question that would seem irresistable to most voters -- whether or not to eliminate the Massachusetts state income tax.
The radical change in tax law would put thousands of dollars back in the pockets of families, but critics say it would deal a dire blow to key services, from education to transportation, wiping out 40 percent of state revenues.
Voters rejected s similar ballot initative in 2002, although by a closer margin than most had predicted.
Now supporters are back, hoping voters have grown disillusioned enough with state government to back the change.
Supporters are hoping to deliver enough signatures to the secretary of state's office Monday to move the question closer to next year's ballot.
The money still needs to come from somewhere. I'm all for cutting taxes, but it can only come about after implementing responsible spending. Dee-Val is borrowing a BILLION dollars over the last three months of the year to make up the shortfalls caused when the programs that Romney cut were resurrected after he left office. Cut taxes while keeping the spending out of control and the burden will shift...
Can you say "User Fees"? Watch the price of a driver's license, registration, fishing license, LTC, inspection, tolls go through the roof. Watch for "sin taxes" and sales taxes to go up. Say hello to meals taxes. The spending needs to be reined in first; then the taxes can be cut. But this is Massachusetts, no point in holding your breath, just hold out your wallet.
Posted by: Delta784
I don't mind paying income tax, as long as it's reasonable. What I really don't like is when the voters pass a ballot question to bring the state income tax back to 5%, and it's ignored by the legislature.
Posted by: dcs2244
I DO mind paying taxes, UNLESS the taxes are used to fund emergency services, courts, and the DPW. If the nanny-staters want to fund welfare/workfare/wic/foodstamps, let them do it on a town-by-town basis. It's easier to control the political scoundrels at a very basic local level: at some point you're going to bump into the ess-head at the local grocery or diner and bring him to account for whatever stupid stuff he has done. They are easier to remove from office as well. If an Amherst or Northampton wants to provide those services and a Ware or Ludlow doesn't, more power to 'em! I know which of the towns I'd choose to live in. (and now, back to reality)
Posted by: Irish Wampanoag
I would like to see the income tax eliminate completely and pay the difference in your property tax. This way you would know your money is going to the town you live in and you at town meeting can decide where you want to spend your money, not some welfare pet projects that some politician wants to support for his own gain.
Posted by: PaulKersey
This state is already has enough debt. One way or another we'll pay.
Good point Irish. I believe N.H. does that.
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