Friday, January 25, 2013
The governor's budget proposal for fiscal 2014 would raise $1.9 billion in new revenues through a combination of tax increases and eliminating some tax breaks. Is the state's economy ready for this?
After years of treading water in the state budget, Gov. Deval Patrick has put forth an ambitious $34.8 billion proposal for the coming fiscal year that would make significant investments in education and transportation by raising $1.9 billion in revenue, through a combination of tax increases and eliminating some tax breaks. The question: Is the state's economy ready for this? To raise that funding, Patrick's proposal would increase the income tax from 5.25 percent to 6.25 percent, while doubling personal exemptions. It'd also lower the sales tax from 6.25 percent to 4.5 percent. Several tax breaks for both personal income and businesses would be eliminated. The gas tax would be indexed to inflation, ensuring gradual increases in what …
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Tell us: do you think we need to increase taxes to strengthen education and transportation?
In his State of the Commonwealth address on Wednesday night, Gov. Deval Patrick proposed raising the state's income tax by 1 percentage point and lowering the sales tax to pay for $2 billion in transportation improvements and early childhood education programs. "There is no good time to raise taxes. I know how tough the times have been on the people and families of the Commonwealth. And though the worst of the recession is over, many, many families still face tough decisions and have deep anxiety about the future. I would not ask if I did not believe in my heart that investing meaningfully today in education and transportation will significantly improve our economic tomorrows," Patrick said. Patrick said he wanted a more fair and …
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
The Internet retailer said the collection would begin in time for next year's holiday shopping season.
Checking out at Amazon.com will be a bit pricier starting next November. Gov. Deval Patrick's office announced the deal Tuesday, stating the company would be adding jobs to Massachusetts in the next few years, WBZ reported. Amazon.com and Patrick said they would work together to support a federal bill allowing individual states to collect sales tax in states where they have no physical location. "I value the contributions large and small employers alike make to Massachusetts' economic vitality, and this agreement captures that," Patrick said in a statement. "We are thankful Amazon was willing to come to the table and we will continue our conversations with them about creating jobs here. This agreement is a win for all sides, and I am …
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Sales tax holiday scheduled for this weekend.
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Thursday, August 11, 2011
(Editor's note: The following information was submitted by the office of State Rep. Jim Miceli.) State Rep. James R. Miceli joined with his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in approving legislation that would allow a sales tax free weekend on August 13-14, in an effort to promote state businesses. Further amendments to the bill included a move to reduce the state sales tax rate from 6.25 to 5 percent over the next two years. House Democrats voted to uphold Speaker DeLeo’s ruling that such permanent changes to the tax code should not be considered during a debate over the weekend exemption. Rep. Miceli and two other House Democrats joined with the Republicans in voting to reduce the sales tax. “The sales tax holiday…
Wind Dummy 25
6:45 pm on Friday, February 1, 2013
I saw that report. I was very surprised that this was actually reported. Which makes me even more suspicious. Another misplaced over paid hack in charge like that bad driver in the safety office. more ›