(Massachusetts) Senate approves $1.14 Billion Tax Hike

Boston GLobe ^ | 7/26/2001 | By Rick Klein, Globe Staff

[vannrox]

The state Senate yesterday gave final passage to $1.14 billion in tax increases. Senate leaders stated that voters have shown a willingness to accept new taxes because they believe Beacon Hill is also tightening its belt.

''It's safe to say that the majority of our constituents, in poll after poll, suggested in a sense that we use a blended approach,'' said Senate Ways and Means Chairman Mark C. Montigny, a New Bedford Democrat. ''I'm not embarrassed that we took a very difficult challenge and did our best to send a balanced budget to the governor's desk.''

[vannrox]

I guess that Massachusetts hadn't raised enough money to provide the necessary services of the State.

[Dog Gone]

Interesting peek into a socialist government.

[Constantine XIII]

Why don't you folks fight this? I mean, geez, didn't you guys have a tea party over this at one time?

[goldstategop]

Yeah... Carla Howell hopes Taxachusetts will have a Boston Tea Party II this fall and ditch the state income tax altogether. Cheers!!! :-)

[vannrox]

"...Why don't you folks fight this? I mean, geez, didn't you guys have a tea party over this at one time?..."

Don't you know, it is against the Law to be a Conservative.

[Jagdgewehr]

Good Grief! And people talk about California.

[Constantine XIII]

God bless ya'll, cheers from Tennessee! Hopefully all of us will be able to play a foot-stompin' game of "Toss the Tyrants" come election time!

[SheLion]

.....meaning that Massachusetts smokers will pay $1.51 per pack to the state.

Not if the Mass smokers are smart, they won't pay this! Buy over the net, the Reservation, or roll your own. This is rediculous!

[JPJones]

''It's unbelievable the arrogance of some of the members of this chamber,'' Lees said.

Why don't you folks fight this? I mean, geez, didn't you guys have a tea party over this at one time?

Like the article says: most people in Mass. LOVE tax increases. No hope here whatsoever.

[RJCogburn]

Can you spell C-A-R-L-A H-O-W-E-L-L?

[LoneRangerMassachusetts]

Why don't you folks fight this? I mean, geez, didn't you guys have a tea party over this at one time?

We have too much of unions, universities, human services and not enough of farming and manufacturing. Where do we find the rebels?

[#3Fan]

That knocks the private sector down to what in Massachusettes now....30 people?

[FreedomAvatar]

Democrats have portrayed several of the tax increases as temporary, since they inserted language that will ensure that when the economy rebounds, the income tax will drop, the charitable contribution deduction will be restored, and the personal exemption will increase.

...and Hillary will become a woman

[Jorge]

''It is mind-boggling,'' said Senate Republican Leader Brian P. Lees of East Longmeadow.

Welcome to Taxachusetts!

[Radix]

We love it here. Welcome to my world.

[Radix]

LoL

[Bernard]

There's a deduction for charitable contributions on a state income tax? I have often thought that if the United States is destroyed, it will come from the weight and complexity of the Internal Revenue Code and its counterparts at the state and local levels.

This just helps confirm that.

[billhilly]

Go Taxachusetts. Your Camels are waiting for their straw.

[Freedom_Is_Not_Free]

Hey, it aint called "Taxachussetts" for nothing!

[Freedom_Is_Not_Free]

Because Gray Davis is raising our taxes in California as well!!!