Governor Deval Patrick’s push for a $1.9 billion tax hike last week is a bold — his critics call it overreaching — attempt to go out of office with a final crescendo that will define his record as governor, political observers say.
But the plan also carries with it the risk of failure and potentially builds political peril for his fellow Democrats who, unlike Patrick, will face voters in next year’s election.
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"Governor Deval Patrick’s push for a $1.9 billion tax hike last week is a bold — his critics call it overreaching — attempt to go out of office with a final crescendo that will define his record as governor, political observers say." And the Globe's pretending to know nothing about Deval's proposed tax increases before the 2010 and 2012 elections will define the newspaper as nothing short of complete dishonesty.
To the elected officials reading this. He is leaving. If you want to keep your jobs defeat this and do it fast. We do not need rail service from Springfield to Boston or Boston to the Cape. We will work for, contribute to and vote for candidates that are against this ridiculous plan in this economic climate.
Just returned from food shopping... the cost of almost all groceries has gone up from last week .
My real estate takes, federal tax /fica , T pass, health insurance , home owners , automobile insurance have all risen in cost. I have no more too give so I'm ready to join the generations enjoyiong the entitlements.
I am willing to consider the governor's proposal. However, before I could offer my endorsement, I would need to see what safeguards would be in effect to protect the requested "windfall" from two historic Beacon Hill scourges: 1. corruption (Think of the Probation Department scandal.) and 2. ineptitude (Think of the Big Dig cost overruns.). Indeed, given these recurring problems, I would like to see evidence from nonpartisan analysts that the state is spending well the tax money it is already receiving before giving it more funds.
I think you answered your own concerns.
The idea of giving these self-serving clowns more money to play with is repugnant.
Somehow, I never hear conservatives talk about defunding the military because of some of the outrageous waste that takes place there; rather, sensibly, they try to make sure that it works as efficiently as possible while recognizing that waste and fraud is inevitable in any large endeavor.
I have seen no analysis of state government that indicates that the waste and fraud is, overall, out of control; rather, I see individual stories about individual areas that need to be reformed. I also see bridges that are unsafe and trains that are overcrowded and antiquated. We need to spend more money on infrastructure, and a tax hike is the only source of those funds. I hope the legislature is wise enough to pass the Governor's proposals.
Do we need rail service from Springfield to Boston and Boston to Cape Cod?
The state budget doesn't fund the military...way to divert the conversation...these write offs are some of the only ones that the middle class can use...college deductions, day care, etc...how about cutting the Earned Income Credit...those people are already getting enough from the state, but I really don't have an extra $1k for the state...the EIC will just lessen their refund...no real harm done.
Deval and the Globe hide the REAL reason for Deval's sudden call for more taxes. It ios NOT for more transportation or education. It's to pay for the budget EXPLOSION of the MA health care law. heath care for all means TAXES for all. Patrick stated that "health care spending has crowded out key public investments" when submitting his budget in Aughst.