"Patrick stresses upside of tax hikes" by Matt Viser, Globe Staff | June 27, 2009
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Did the guy tax the acid he is on, because he's tripping out if he's pushing the UPSIDE of TAX HIKES and thinks he's going to be reelected!
Governor Deval Patrick said yesterday that he will sign more than $1 billion in tax increases, ending a months-long standoff with the Legislature and ensuring Massachusetts residents will pay more for everything, from satellite dishes to cheeseburgers.
Click. Now, what to prepare for dinner.
Patrick’s announcement, coming after the House and Senate overwhelmingly approved the tax increases last week, means that the state sales tax will rise for the first time in a generation, and at a time when many residents are losing homes and jobs.
Like we are somehow overdue for a tax hike?
The new sales tax rate, which will increase from 5 percent to 6.25 percent, will go into effect Aug. 1.
“I will approve the new revenues we need to bring our budget into balance, offset the need for even more difficult cuts, and expand opportunity throughout the Commonwealth,’’ Patrick said in a statement. “Due to the economic challenges that all states are facing, this new revenue is necessary to prevent us from losing ground on our long-term goals in education and healthcare, and further straining safety net services that are struggling to meet the increased demand.’’
Gee, you guys disrespect our vote to decriminalize weed while this guy MUST be toking up a storm!
WTF did he just say?
Governor Guts State Services
Pigs at the State Trough
A Slow Saturday Special: Statehouse Slush Fund
Hollywood S***s on Massachusetts
Biotech Giveaway Was Borrowed Money
Massachusetts Residents Taken For a Ride
How many times I gotta put 'em up?About $275 million in projected new sales tax revenue will be directed to the state’s transportation network, preventing planned toll increases on the Massachusetts Turnpike, at least for now. The sales tax revenue will also help shore up finances at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, although it might not be enough to head off a fare increase.
Yeah, the INNER-CITY BUS and SUBWAY RIDER get SCREWED while the ELITERS PAY NO TOLLS! It NEVER ENDS!!!!!!!
The statewide meals tax will also increase, from 5 percent to 6.25 percent, and municipalities will have the option to raise it up to 7 percent and keep the extra revenue for themselves.
Not a lot of TAX $$$ there: A Sobering Breakfast
In addition, taxes will go up on satellite television users, and a sales-tax exemption on alcohol sold in retail stores will be eliminated.
Yeah, my FRIEND was HOPPING MAD and the satellite people got him to call the statehouse. Didn't work, of course; if it is not a Jewish interest, Mass screws it.
Municipalities will also be allowed to raise the local hotel tax by 2 percentage points.
They don't come here anyway.
“It’s going to hurt small businesses, and it’s going to hurt consumers,’’ said Jon B. Hurst, president of the Retailers Association of Massachusetts....
So what? They CARE MORE ABOUT AGENDAS and SPECIAL INTERESTS than US!
That is CLEAR TO ME NOW.
Patrick’s decision will provide fresh state revenues to offset deeper budget cuts, but it could hurt him at the ballot box next year.
We are JUST WAITING!!!!
The way he made the announcement - in a quiet statement at 4:23 on a Friday afternoon - said much about the political risk.
And MUCH ABOUT Slow Saturday and Rocker's truthful analysis and acumen!!!
Still, Massachusetts has one of the lowest sales tax rates in the country, and exempts several items from the tax, such as food, and clothing that costs less than $175. The state passed a 3 percent sales tax in 1966; it was increased a decade later to 5 percent, where it has remained....
Yeah, we are MAKING OUT on the DEAL -- says the ONE-SIDED, PRO-TAX, AGENDA-PUSHING, PAPER!
Patrick also signed legislation yesterday to overhaul the state’s ailing transportation network, abolishing the Turnpike Authority and consolidating a patchwork of agencies that govern roads, rail, and bridges. The bill, a key part of what Patrick is calling his “reform agenda,’’ creates a new state Department of Transportation that will oversee highways, mass transit, aeronautics, and the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
Yeah, I heard about that!
Pfffffttt!
