Yes: Pair revenue, reform
Since 1998, the Commonwealth has reduced personal and corporate income tax rates, costing the state $2.5 billion a year — leaving little to pay current bills or deal with $80 billion in past unfunded liabilities, let alone make critical education and transportation investments for our future. Yet with the public demanding reform before revenue, the governor and Legislature have been hesitant to increase taxes.
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The guy from the Pioneer Institute complains the state pays (union) people too much, and in the end says Mass. resident's pay hasn't gone up enough.
In my opinion, the biggest obstacle to support for more taxes are the numerous examples of fraud, theft and outright government mismanaged that have been documented in the media over the course of this administration. The governor is a master of the never ending flowery campaign imagery, which so far has been useful in helping him glide past a rather poor management record. The beahvior of our elected officials actually undermines the credibility of government and provides a solid foundation for anti-tax voices. Has the state exhibited prudent, thoughtful financial and management behavior to justify asking for more money? I think not. Until they show they are good stewards of the money we already pay in taxes, they lack a track record upon which to ask for more.
How many 100k+ state jobs did the Globe report yesterday we have in Massachusetts? How much have the ranks of those "uber-rich" public employees grown during the Patrick administration? Oh, that's right - those are just "leakages" - sort of like the leaks in the Big Dig.
And this poor excuse for a Governor wants to increase the "leakage" from my wallet.
I knew a guy from the Pioneer Istitute couldn't talk tax and reform without talking about police details. Get over it, they are cheaper than flagmen.
Because of prevailing wage laws.
Do you want to get rid of state and federal prevailing wage for everyone or just for the cops?