Talking Points for a Better Budget

Submitted by Carmen Arce-Bowen on Fri, 03/19/2010 - 12:43pm
The things that make Massachusetts a great place to live - good schools, clean water, safe streets - are only possible due to our shared, ongoing support. Unfortunately, a decade of tax cuts and subsequent years of declining revenue have left Massachusetts with a multi-billion dollar structural deficit – forcing our elected officials to make difficult decisions in order to balance our budget. The well-being of our communities depends on us. It is time to decide whether we want more cuts or more revenue!

In Yawu Miller’s blog, “Bad Breaks,” NoPolitician rightfully said:
“I think we owe it to the governor to, when people complain about cuts or taxes, to make them tell us what they would do instead. For example, if you don't like the candy/soda tax, then tell us what you would get rid of to save the $61.6 million that will be lost by eliminating it.”

Based on NoPolitician comment, I would like to share some talking points that the team at ONE Massachusetts put together that can be used when calling or meeting your state representative or state senator.

These talking points are prospective revenue proposals that would promote a more adequate tax system in Massachusetts that minimize cuts and increase funding for our programs and public structures. We, as a community, can not afford to lose more funding for our programs.

Urge your state representative and state senator to take a balanced approach to filling the budget gap by drawing on federal stimulus funds, wise use of rainy day funds, judicious cuts and closing costly tax loopholes:

REMEMBER TO SAY THANK YOU!

It’s not all bad news – it is important that we take the time to thank our legislators for their support of the Sales Tax increase last year. Without the $750 million in revenue that it raised, there would have been even more cuts. Your friends and neighbors across the state also worked hard to defeat Question 1 in 2008, which would have cut the income tax and taken away 40 percent of the state’s revenue. We are already organizing a campaign and will work hard to defeat the ballot referendum on cutting the sales tax to 3 percent, since that would cost us $2.5 billion.

MAINTAIN YOUR BALANCE.

We urge the legislature and the governor to take a balanced approach to filling the budget gap by drawing on federal stimulus funds, wise use of reserve funds (rainy day fund), judicious cuts and closing costly tax loopholes.

EVALUATE ALL OF YOUR OPTIONS.

These are just some of the short-term revenue options that can help bring balance to our budget:

BROADEN OUR BASE.

Next year, we will face an even greater challenge as federal stimulus funds run out, and while all of our options are worth careful consideration, it is important to push for adequate, balanced, and stable ways that we can all support our state together:

  • Services Tax: Currently, Massachusetts exempts all services from the Sales Tax, forgoing $9 billion a year in revenue. By carefully selecting certain services for taxation, we can add an additional, progressive source of revenue.
  • Increase the Income Tax Rate: A 1% increase in the income tax rate would raise $800 million a year. Combined with an increase in personal exemptions, this would allow us to raise revenues without increasing taxes on families earning under $100,000 a year.

FIND MORE INFORMATION.

For more information about how you can use the information together with tips on how to set a meeting with your legislators and talk more effectively about government and taxes visit the following links:

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