tax expenditure budget

The things that make Massachusetts a great place to live - good schools, clean water, safe streets - are only possible due to our shared, ongoing support. Unfortunately, a decade of tax cuts and subsequent years of declining revenue have left Massachusetts with a multi-billion dollar structural deficit – forcing our elected officials to make difficult decisions in order to balance our budget. The well-being of our communities depends on us. It is time to decide whether we want more cuts or more revenue!

In Yawu Miller’s blog, “Bad Breaks,” NoPolitician rightfully said:

“I think we owe it to the governor to, when people complain about cuts or taxes, to make them tell us what they would do instead. For example, if you don't like the candy/soda tax, then tell us what you would get rid of to save the $61.6 million that will be lost by eliminating it.”

Based on NoPolitician comment, I would like to share some talking points that the team at ONE Massachusetts put together that can be used when calling or meeting your state representative or state senator.

These talking points are prospective revenue proposals that would promote a more adequate tax system in Massachusetts that minimize cuts and increase funding for our programs and public structures. We, as a community, can not afford to lose more funding for our programs.

Urge your state representative and state senator to take a balanced approach to filling the budget gap by drawing on federal stimulus funds, wise use of rainy day funds, judicious cuts and closing costly tax loopholes:

By ONE Massachsuetts Guest Blogger Rep. Carl Sciortino

Medford - It’s not a secret that our state economy is in bad shape. The economic troubles plaguing the nation are having the same impact on the state budget as they are on the budgets of businesses and families across Massachusetts.