Robert Reich in The Boston Globe

On Local Issues: Use gas tax to pay for Big Dig, not toll increases

On the stump in Massachusetts and in an interview with the Globe last month, Reich has said that he would give serious consideration to raising the gas tax to pay for the Big Dig, instead of using increased toll levies. Source: Yvonne Abraham and Frank Phillips, Boston Globe, p. B3 Feb 8, 2002

On Tax Reform: Avoid raising taxes, but a pledge is irresponsible

Reich has been very cagey about his views on taxes. At times, he has advocated increases in cigarette and capital-gains taxes. But on Fox News’ “Hannity & Colmes’ show,’ Reich-who has said he would consider raising certain tax levies-promised he would not raise taxes if elected governor. ”I’m not going to raise taxes,“ Reich said. ”I promise you.“

Reich has said that he would consider raising the gas tax to pay for the Big Dig, and reinstating the state’s capital-gains tax as a way to make up for lost tax revenues.

Reich insisted yesterday his position has not changed. He said his statement on Fox TV was a quick response to a rapid-fire debate. Indeed, although pushed by Hannity, Reich refused to take a no-new taxes pledge. “In context, I would do everything in my power not to raise taxes,” Reich explained. “But it is irresponsible to take a pledge. I don’t want to send out a mixed message.” Reich said that taking a pledge not to raise taxes is “playing games with the public.”

Source: Yvonne Abraham and Frank Phillips, Boston Globe, p. B3 Feb 8, 2002

The above quotations are from Media coverage of MA political races in The Boston Globe. Click here for other excerpts from Media coverage of MA political races in The Boston Globe. Click here for other excerpts by Robert Reich. Click here for a profile of Robert Reich.
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