"Why is it that both Republicans and Democrats in the Bay State recognize that when we tax products like cigarettes to discourage people from engaging in that behavior, the same is true with productivity?" states Waters. "The more we tax what people earn, the more we discourage them from being productive members of our community," Waters continued. The Federal government and Beacon Hill does not have a revenue problem, they have a spending problem," stated Waters.
The Fair Tax is a consumption tax whereby citizens pay only upon the purchase of new goods and services. Recognizing that our income is our reward for the work and risks we take to improve our lives, our families, and those people businesses employ; taxing such effort is truly counterproductive.
Gonzalez said only 19,000 families would be affected by the millionaire's tax, and he argues they would pay a little bit more so the state as a whole would have enough revenue to make badly needed investments in its future.
Massie calls the millionaire's tax a "logical, reasonable first step" to deal with the state's revenue crunch, suggesting more tax increases may be needed later on, particularly if Trump scales back federal support for states.
Massie said Baker's popularity stems in part from his constant hedging. "It's really easy to be popular when you don't do anything, when you don't take a stand," he said. "He has this high approval rating. Why isn't he using it as governor?"
Such an underride will permanently reduce the town's tax levy limit.
The maximum amount of taxes the town is allowed to raise under Proposition 2-1/2--the levy limit--is about $55.6 million for next fiscal year. The town is using only $53.9 million of that amount, meaning the town has an excess levy amount of $1.7 million.
The board suggests the underride be drawn from from the excess levy amount, not the town's operating budget. Selectman Brian Herr suggested Tuesday night the board endorse a $1.2 million underride, but members ultimately voted to wait until April 1 to determine the amount. Board members agreed some extra should be set aside for unforeseen expenses.
In that spirit, we will again propose a series of measures that give cities and towns greater authority over local decisions. That includes raising new revenue through a modest meals and lodging tax, eliminating the outdated exemption the phone company enjoys from paying the same local property taxes everyone else has to pay, and encouraging as much regionalization of local services as practical. If we cannot provide direct aid, let's at least untie the hands of local communities to capture the savings and raise the revenue within their reach. Let's enact a municipal reform package this spring.
A: NO
He said he supports the constitutional amendment expected to appear on the 2018 ballot that would apply a tax surcharge on incomes greater than $1 million. "I think we need to be honest with people about what it takes to invest in the bold solutions we need to help people get ahead," said Gonzalez.
Gonzalez said he would use the proceeds from a surcharge to ensure universal access to pre-kindergarten.
A: This is something I think we desperately need. Our governor has said no new taxes. He's taken no position on this ballot question. This is another example of him sitting on the sidelines and not taking a position.
We've got to be honest about the fact that we need additional revenue for our transportation system, the T, for education, for things like what I just talked about in terms of early education and care, which will make a huge difference for families in this state.
I'm being honest with people, we need that revenue. I think this is a fair way to raise it, which is why I support it. We're asking those who've done great during this economic recovery to pay a little bit more so that we can invest in supporting those families who've been having a hard time getting ahead.
Gonzalez said only 19,000 families would be affected by the millionaire's tax, and he argues they would pay a little bit more so the state as a whole would have enough revenue to make badly needed investments in its future.
Gonzalez said Baker has repeatedly shown a reluctance to take a stand on issues until he absolutely has to. "People deserve to know where the governor stands on one of the most consequential public policy issues in the state," he said of the millionaire's tax.
A: Agree.
Candidate's position on this issue: I support a progressive tax system, for income taxes, businesses, and property taxes
This vote was on an amendment to an omnibus tax reform bill. The amendment would reduce revenue available for state programs by $250 million through tax rebates to people affected by the repeal of the capital gains tax break in 2002, a rebate primarily benefiting the wealthiest 1% of people in the state. Voting NO would reject the capital gains tax rebates.
The relevant part of the MassDems Platform is Part iv. ECONOMIC GROWTH, Clause 14: We oppose the Republican administration policy of giving tax breaks to the wealthiest individuals.... These policies unfairly increase the tax burden at the state and local level.
Bill H. 2606, sec. 56-57 ; vote number H075
An amendment was proposed to reduce income tax to 5%. An amendment to the amendment stating that it can't take effect until the department of revenue does a study on numerous related consequences.
The relevant part of the MassDems Platform is Part XII, clause 1: TAXES AND PUBLIC SERVICES: Massachusetts Democrats condemn the tax cuts that leave cities and towns to fend for themselves with only the regressive property tax as the primary source of revenue.
Bill H. 4440 ; vote number H238
Any city or town shall be authorized to impose a local excise tax upon the sale of meals, of 1% of the total price thereof. The local excise tax imposed shall be paid by the vendor in the same manner as the excise tax due the commonwealth. All sums received shall at least quarterly be distributed, credited and paid by the state treasurer to each city or town. [Provides a new revenue source for cities and towns to pay for schools and other local services].
Relevant platform section: PART II: EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND OPPORTUNITY: Full Funding: "We reject policies that direct funds away from our public schools to finance political promises of tax reductions or to other unrelated purposes. We support just and equitable funding mechanisms that provide for vibrant public schools in all communities."
Source citation: Section 100 ; vote number 122
Taxable income shall be taxed at the rate of 5.95 per cent for tax years beginning in 2003, for Part B income [restore tax rate].
Relevant platform section: PART V: FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY, TAX EQUITY, & PUBLIC STEWARDSHIP: Tax Fairness and Responsible Budgeting: "We believe that taxes should be fair and based on ability to pay, and that budgets should be fiscally responsible and balanced without gimmicks."
Source citation: Section 470 ; vote number 64
Any city or town shall be authorized to impose a local excise tax upon the sale of meals, of 1% of the total price thereof. The local excise tax imposed shall be paid by the vendor in the same manner as the excise tax due the commonwealth. All sums received shall at least quarterly be distributed, credited and paid by the state treasurer to each city or town. [Provides a new revenue source for cities and towns to pay for schools and other local services].
Relevant platform section: PART II: EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND OPPORTUNITY: Full Funding: "We reject policies that direct funds away from our public schools to finance political promises of tax reductions or to other unrelated purposes. We support just and equitable funding mechanisms that provide for vibrant public schools in all communities."
Source citation: Section 100 ; vote number 122
Taxable income shall be taxed at the rate of 5.95 per cent for tax years beginning in 2003, for Part B income [restore tax rate].
Relevant platform section: PART V: FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY, TAX EQUITY, & PUBLIC STEWARDSHIP: Tax Fairness and Responsible Budgeting: "We believe that taxes should be fair and based on ability to pay, and that budgets should be fiscally responsible and balanced without gimmicks."
Source citation: Section 470 ; vote number 64
This vote was on an amendment to an omnibus tax reform bill. The amendment would reduce revenue available for state programs by $250 million through tax rebates to people affected by the repeal of the capital gains tax break in 2002, a rebate primarily benefiting the wealthiest 1% of people in the state. Voting NO would reject the capital gains tax rebates.
The relevant part of the MassDems Platform is Part iv. ECONOMIC GROWTH, Clause 14: We oppose the Republican administration policy of giving tax breaks to the wealthiest individuals.... These policies unfairly increase the tax burden at the state and local level.
Bill H. 2606, sec. 56-57 ; vote number H075
An amendment was proposed to reduce income tax to 5%. An amendment to the amendment stating that it can't take effect until the department of revenue does a study on numerous related consequences.
The relevant part of the MassDems Platform is Part XII, clause 1: TAXES AND PUBLIC SERVICES: Massachusetts Democrats condemn the tax cuts that leave cities and towns to fend for themselves with only the regressive property tax as the primary source of revenue.
Bill H. 4440 ; vote number H238
Any city or town shall be authorized to impose a local excise tax upon the sale of meals, of 1% of the tota price thereof. The local excise tax imposed shall be paid by the vendor in the same manner as the excise tax due the commonwealth. All sums received shall at least quarterly be distributed, credited and paid by the state treasurer to each city or town. [Provides a new revenue source for cities and towns to pay for schools and other local services].
Relevant platform section: PART II: EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND OPPORTUNITY: Full Funding: "We reject policies that direct funds away from our public schools to finance political promises of tax reductions or to other unrelated purposes. We support just and equitable funding mechanisms that provide for vibrant public schools in all communities."
Source citation: Section 100 ; vote number 122
Any city or town shall be authorized to impose a local excise tax upon the sale of meals, of 1% of the total price thereof. The local excise tax imposed shall be paid by the vendor in the same manner as the excise tax due the commonwealth. All sums received shall at least quarterly be distributed, credited and paid by the state treasurer to each city or town. [Provides a new revenue source for cities and towns to pay for schools and other local services].
Relevant platform section: PART II: EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND OPPORTUNITY: Full Funding: "We reject policies that direct funds away from our public schools to finance political promises of tax reductions or to other unrelated purposes. We support just and equitable funding mechanisms that provide for vibrant public schools in all communities."
Source citation: Section 100 ; vote number 122
Taxable income shall be taxed at the rate of 5.95 per cent for tax years beginning in 2003, for Part B income [restore tax rate].
Relevant platform section: PART V: FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY, TAX EQUITY, & PUBLIC STEWARDSHIP: Tax Fairness and Responsible Budgeting: "We believe that taxes should be fair and based on ability to pay, and that budgets should be fiscally responsible and balanced without gimmicks."
Source citation: Section 470 ; vote number 64
In 2015, Setti launched DataStat Newton. This program tracks everything from the recycling rate and number of potholes filled to auto-pedestrian accidents and changes in the city's commercial tax base. With DataStat, Setti and his team have been able to make smart, data driven decisions and track outcomes.
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| 2016 Presidential contenders on Tax Reform: | |||
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Republicans:
Sen.Ted Cruz(TX) Carly Fiorina(CA) Gov.John Kasich(OH) Sen.Marco Rubio(FL) Donald Trump(NY) |
Democrats:
Secy.Hillary Clinton(NY) Sen.Bernie Sanders(VT) 2016 Third Party Candidates: Roseanne Barr(PF-HI) Robert Steele(L-NY) Dr.Jill Stein(G,MA) | ||
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