Patrick Files $34.8 Billion Budget Proposal Wednesday
The plan focuses on investments in transportation and education while calling for an income tax increase coupled with a lower sales tax.
In submitting his $34.8 billion budget to the Legislature Wednesday, Patrick said the proposed income tax hike is part of a comprehensive package aimed at investing in the state's infrastructure and in driving growth.
The proposal asks for an increase in the income tax from 5.25 percent to 6.25 percent coupled with a reduction in the sales tax from 6.25 percent to 4.5 percent. It also doubles personal exemptions.
Despite the proposed income tax hike, Patrick says that low and modest-income workers will pay less in taxes under his proposal, and only the "more fortunate see a larger increase."
"I do not submit this proposal lightly. I understand that many households in Massachusetts continue to struggle from the impact of the Great Recession, but I am confident that investing meaningful in education and transportation today will significantly improve and expand job growth and economic opportunity tomorrow," he said.
Patrick's budget calls for a total investment of $6.79 billion in education next year, with $131 million going toward early education, $226 million in Chapter 70 local aid, and $152 million toward making college more affordable and accessible.
In transportation funding, Patrick is asking for a $13 billion capital investment over 10 years, including money to repair roads and create a public transportation system that is modern and reliable.
"This is what the people of the commonwealth have asked for," he said. "Ask any of the folks who were outside in the cold at Arlington Street today whether they want those kinds of investments. They totally get this."
The $34.8 billion budget reflects a 6.9 percent increase from last year and would create $828 million in new revenue.
Still, Patrick said, many programs –-including some for seniors –- will not get the funding that many people want. And "hardly any line item is back at the pre-recession level."
Don Ordway
7:00 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Every tax inrease should be accompanied by a much larger spending reduction. The playing field must be leveled. How can taxpayers compete with Santa Clause.
Steve Crane
7:49 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Right on! Tax increases and decreases have a much stronger multiplier effect than spending cuts and increases.
Sean
8:54 am on Thursday, January 24, 2013
The full list of "revenue" Patrick hopes to push through is just mind blowing. Gas tax increase, RMV charges, hotel tax on rentals, soda and candy tax, increase in income tax, etc, but his spending increases over the same time. We are badly in debt as a state, but he doesn't care. Overtaxing the citizens is the wrong answer, and will make businesses and people look elsewhere to live.
Jonathan Ciampa
9:19 am on Thursday, January 24, 2013
I think the Governor has gone "Wall St" on us. Suddenly "taxation" is synonymous with "investment"
Jonathan Ciampa
9:29 am on Thursday, January 24, 2013
"The $34.8 billion budget reflects a 6.9 percent increase from last year and would create $828 million in new revenue."
FYI - The government cannot create revenue. This is an abuse of the English language as it is twisted and tortured to hide what is really happening - the confiscation of funds from those who earned it (which was revenue) to ease the burden of the poor and the illegals. People who drive are being hit at every turn with registration, gas, tolls, licenses, etc. This money will pay for upgrades to public transportation?? Why is it so far fetched that these costs be passed onto the people who actually use public transportation? Has owning a car suddenly become a benchmark of the wealthy? Why not ask the people standing outside Arlington Station if they would pay a few buck more per week to avoid standing out in the cold in January?
This budget is the real hoax. Katie Couric should be interviewing Deval Patrick, not Manti Te'o
CallMeFrustrated
9:30 am on Thursday, January 24, 2013
I think it may finally be time to leave MA...
David A.
12:39 pm on Thursday, January 24, 2013
Unfortuanelty those of us who are the Earners are now outnumbered by those who are the Takers. Now that the Takers control who is elected and their agenda, tax and spend will grow out of control for the short-term.
Eventually, reality will force a corrective action, but that will take take time and we'll have to live through the pain for the short-term.
Good luck to us! its like being on Survivor...
Tom Whelchel
2:16 pm on Thursday, January 24, 2013
How much does a taker pay in union dues. Zero. Fee increases here go to keep the unions in work. It's commonly called buying the vote. When DP is ready for the White House the takers here and the union bosses will rally again once more. Hence forth the nut jobs of Ma. will continue to be led around like the liberal drones that they have grown up to be will suffer again. I laugh at every one of you. Beacon Hill is the stepping stone for Washington D.C. You liberal moon bats just elected Joe Kennedy 111 for congress. On what platform? Ma. residents are crazy. Plain old fashioned crazy. No balls at all. Just love to be slapped around. Ha ha ha