- May 2009
Despite a public perception that the state's landmark health care reform law has turned out to be unaffordable, a new analysis by the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation finds that the cost to taxpayers of achieving near universal coverage has been relatively modest and well within initial projections of how much the state would have to spend to implement reform, in part because many of the newly insured have enrolled in employer-sponsored plans at no public expense.
The Foundation report concludes that state spending on the reform has increased by $350 million between fiscal 2006, the last year before reform, and fiscal 2010 - an average annual increase of only $88 million.
- December 2008
Group: Pull health plans from negotiations
in
Jun 30 2009
The head of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation told a western Massachusetts business group that the state Legislature should pass a bill that would remove health plans from negotiations between municipalities and unions, the Berkshire Eagle reports.
Gov. Deval Patrick signs budget, cuts local funds
Jun 29 2009
Michael J. Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, said the budget will be "a body blow" for most municipalities. Widmer said it will mean cuts in teachers, police, fire and public works. "We're going to see thousands of layoffs across the commonwealth," Widmer said.
The forbidding arithmetic of healthcare reform
in
Jun 28 2009
A recent report by the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, a business-funded group that advocated for the healthcare law, found that state spending increased by about $88 million annually since it was implemented. Is that too much to absorb, within the context of a $28 billion state budget?
Confronting the cost of civic health plans
in
Jun 28 2009
With increased health care costs adding strain to cities and towns trying to craft budgets around shrinking state revenues, a proposal to exempt municipal health plans from collective bargaining, drew support here last week from Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation President Michael J. Widmer.
Patrick stresses upside of tax hikes
in
Jun 27 2009
"There's no fiscal crisis of the last 50 years that hasn't had both major spending cuts and a broad-based tax increase,'' said Michael J. Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, a business-funded fiscal watchdog group. "In that context, the sales tax, I think, was predictable because of the size of the revenue collapse.''
Tax drop feeding state woes
Jun 27 2009
Michael J. Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, said he believes state unemployment will probably top out in the first or second quarter next year, and that the national economy will probably hit bottom in the third or fourth quarter of 2009.
Governor Signs Transportation Reform Bill
Jun 26 2009
Meanwhile, Michael Widmer, President of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation gave the governor and the legislature high marks for the reform package, "This is good for taxpayers, I give the legislature and the governor a lot of credit, I think over the many decades I've been working in and around the Statehouse this last two weeks is one of the most productive I can ever remember."
Mass. Turnpike Faces $268 Million Swaptions Payment
Jun 25 2009
"Obviously there's a serious risk and problem," said Michael Widmer of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. "To say the least, neither the Turnpike nor the Commonwealth has an extra $268 million."
Our view: History shows state can't tax its way to prosperity
Jun 23 2009
For fiscal year 2010, the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation estimates the state will take in just $666 million - a $1.3 billion drop. This is virtually identical to the fiscal crisis Massachusetts faced in 1988.
Briefing: Pension Reform
in
Jun 21 2009
The new legislation calls for the establishment of a commission to review broader changes and issue a report by Sept. 1. According to Michael J. Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, future changes might include limiting the maximum amount for state pensions or increasing the number of years used to determine an employee's pension, which could result in substantial savings.
Lawmakers pass taxes, reduce aid
in
Jun 20 2009
President of the Massachusetts Taxpayer's Foundation Michael Widmer said yesterday he believes lawmakers acted responsibly in creating next fiscal year's budget. "This budget reflects the fiscal reality and collapse in tax revenues," Widmer said. "There are no shortcuts or shortage of pain to deal with when there are tax increases and major spending cuts."
OUR OPINION: Pension rules for police, firefighters invite abuse
in
Jun 20 2009
"I'd say the numbers are shockingly high," said Michael Widmer of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, a watchdog group on public spending. "Does it pass the straight-face test that there is this number of individuals legitimately qualified to get these? The short answer is no."
Tax hikes, aid cuts in $27.4B state budget
in
Jun 19 2009
"This is clearly an austere and difficult budget with major cuts in virtually all state programs and reflecting the huge decline in state revenues," said Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.
Legislative leaders agree on abolishing Turnpike Authority
Jun 18 2009
The legislation also would put all current and retired MBTA workers under the state's Group Insurance Commission, a move the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation estimated would save the state $35 million a year.
Taxpayers paying millions for questionable disability pensions
in
Jun 18 2009
"I'd say the numbers are shockingly high," said Michael Widmer of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, a watchdog group on public spending. "Does it pass the straight-face test that there is this number of individuals legitimately qualified to get these? The short answer is no."
Bunker Hill Day a working holiday for top pols
in
Jun 17 2009
State employees can use the days as a floating holiday and the time off costs taxpayers about $6 million, according to the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.
Deval Patrick posts sign language
Jun 17 2009
"It's a small amount of money, but I think it would be better if all of the money went directly to the projects. I don't think there's any purpose served by having the signs there," said Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation president Michael Widmer.
Opposition to holidays gains steam
in
Jun 17 2009
State employees can use the days as a floating holiday. The time off costs taxpayers about $5 million, according to the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.
Economy has lawmakers reconsidering Bunker Hill Day
in
Jun 16 2009
According to the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, Bunker Hill Day and Evacuation Day - celebrated March 17 in honor of the day the British troops fled Boston - cost state taxpayers about $5 million.
State pension overhaul pleases Lynn's McGee
in
Jun 16 2009
Michael Widmer, president of the business-backed Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, said the changes are a good first step, but are too targeted to generate the big savings local communities are looking for.
Editorial: Pension reform bill important first step
in
Jun 14 2009
The bill calls for the creation of a commission to review broader changes to the pension system. Michael J. Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, said he's skeptical the commission's work will result in significant changes, partly because the commission is dominated by public employees who have a vested interest in issue.
Some questions and answers on fare hikes
Jun 14 2009
"They're going to have to get a fare increase. The question is when does it take effect and how large is it," said Andy Bagley, research director for the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.
History repeats as states face looming budget deficits
in
Jun 14 2009
To balance the budget, legislators must also spend reserves and rely on federal stimulus money. But the state is plowing through those extra funds at an alarming rate, according to Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.
Pension reform OK'd: 'Abuses aren't justifiable'
in
Jun 12 2009
"The public has been justifiably angry," said Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. "This reform is a step in the right direction, but it's not the answer to the state's pension problem."
Legislature restricts goodies in pensions
in
Jun 12 2009
State budget and tax watchdog Michael J. Widmer, president of the Boston-based business group the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, said the changes did not include many that could produce major savings. He said among those would be a maximum in the range of $100,000 for all state pensions. Such a cap, he said, would save the state millions of dollars each year.
Debating the merits of the Quinn Bill
in
Jun 12 2009
But others, like Michael Widmer, executive director of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Association, suggests the bill is outdated and the pay scale too generous. Today, said Widmer, a college degree for police should be treated more as an expected condition of employment rather than a financial bonus.
What More Needs To Be Done To Pension Reform?
in
Jun 11 2009
Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation President Michael Widmer says while these changes are important, they are more symbolic and don't do enough to cut costs. "It's not a landmark in reigning in the costs to the state and local pension systems," Widmer explained.
Mass. nears state worker pension reform
in
Jun 11 2009
"The needs to be a phase two," said Michael J. Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.
Senate, House adopt pension reform bill
in
Jun 11 2009
State budget and tax watchdog Michael J. Widmer, president of the Boston-based business group the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, said the changes did not include many that could produce major savings for taxpayers. He said among those is a proposed maximum cap in the range of $100,000 for all state pensions. Such a cap, he said, would save the state millions of dollars each year.
State Burns Through Stimulus Money For Education
Jun 11 2009
"Clearly," said Michael Widmer of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, "the state's situation has become so desperate this fiscal year, which is ending on June 30, that what the administration has done is to take this education stimulus money and advance it, instead of spending it in fiscal year 2010 or 11."
Lawmakers agree on pension bill
in
Jun 11 2009
"There needs to be a phase two, clearly," said Michael J. Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. But, he added, "In this building, to close these abuses is no small feat. . . . There's this endless stream of people playing inside games, and this closes a lot of those loopholes."
Bill to reform pension abuse called 1st step, but not enough
in
Jun 11 2009
"This is an important first step, but these are mostly symbolic," said Michael Widmer, executive director of the business-based Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. "They don't address cost savings for cities and towns in the long term."
New state bill targets pension abuse
in
Jun 11 2009
Michael J. Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, said he is skeptical the commission's work will result in significant changes, partly because the commission is dominated by public employees with a vested interest in pensions.
Term limits bill met with lukewarm reception
Jun 9 2009
Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, made a similar point, calling term limits a cosmetic solution lacking a clear connection to legislative integrity. "I think there's a price to be paid for inexperience and a lack of knowledge," he said. "Almost every issue is complex."
Coping with a scandal? Save those holidays!
in
Jun 8 2009
The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation and its president, Michael Widmer, estimate that keeping the holidays costs taxpayers about $5 million.
Editorial: House tone-deaf
in
Jun 6 2009
Yes, on a 78-78 vote the House will hang on to Evacuation Day and Bunker Hill Day (the Senate voted 21-17 to keep the holidays). According to the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation the holidays for all state employees cost the taxpayers about $5 million a year.
In Boston, Threatening of 2 Holidays Hits Nerves
in
Jun 6 2009
The savings would be small, about $6 million a year, according to the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, a nonpartisan watchdog group, which estimates that 35,000 public employees get the days off.
MASS. MARKET: A tough year for a sales tax break, even for one weekend
in
Jun 6 2009
Then there are level-headed critics such as Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. Widmer says the local economy gets just a minimal benefit for the holiday, which caused the state to forego an estimated $15 million in tax revenue last year.
Should All America Follow Massachusetts On Health Care?
in
May 31 2009
"The role of the business community was absolutely central to the reform," says Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, a group funded by businesses. "Without our role, it probably wouldn't have happened."
Editorial: The wisdom of mandates
in
May 31 2009
FOR ALL THE fiscal problems the Commonwealth now faces, its three-year-old universal health insurance reform cannot be blamed for driving up state government costs uncontrollably. That is the conclusion of a study released last week by the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, the watchdog group that is usually quick to expose state budget-busters.
Police officers are among Melrose's highest-paid
in
May 31 2009
"There is both a fiscal and political issue surrounding the very high compensation many police officers receive," said Michael J. Widmer, chief executive of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, a nonprofit watchdog group. "The fiscal issue, of course, is the enormous financial pressures facing virtually every city and town."
Suffolk holidays survive challenge
May 30 2009
That means on June 17, Bunker Hill Day, all schools, libraries, and city and state offices will remain closed in Suffolk County. The same will be true next Evacuation Day, giving an estimated 35,000 workers the day off, according to a rough tally compiled with the help of the Boston Municipal Research Bureau and the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.
Tolls on table down the road
May 28 2009
"It wouldn't be enough," fiscal watchdog Michael Widmer said of separate state plans to hike a sales or gas tax and implement reforms. "The only way you could address it is additional revenues."
Mass Healthcare Reform's Success Comes From 'Shared Responsibility'
in
May 27 2009
The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation report found that the state's health reform spending will grow by a projected $707 million between fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2010-half of which is being supported by federal reimbursements.
Pols weigh toll hike on top of sales tax bump
May 27 2009
Both the House and Senate passed a sales tax increase by a veto-proof majority recently, but the cash will only cover the Pike for a couple of years, said fiscal watchdog Michael Widmer. "It would head off the need for this toll increase, but not toll increases going forward," said Widmer, executive director of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Association.
Opinion: This ain't no 'partnership'
in
May 27 2009
Rather, it's a step backwards as both the MMA and the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation contend.
Massachusetts Health Reform: The Myth Of Uncontrollable Costs
in
May 26 2009
The Taxpayers Foundation has released a new report which debunks this myth. The analysis concludes that the public cost of achieving near universal access has been modest and well within early projections of how much the state would have to spend to implement the reform.
Police training sites see little use
May 25 2009
Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, a nonprofit group that is funded by state businesses, said consolidating police training facilities makes sense, especially now. "We're not going to be hiring many police for a long time," he said.
Mass. Turnpike detail seen as road to riches for many state troopers
May 23 2009
"This is the moment for change; it is simply not fair to ask toll payers to bear these kind of salaries," said Michael J. Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.
Kezer says bill contains 'poison pill'
May 22 2009
"The final indignity is if you somehow don't meet this target, the state can cut local aid and penalize you," said Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, a nonpartisan public policy organization that focuses on state and local spending.
Lawmakers still haven't heard us
in
May 22 2009
"This is the moment," says Mike Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. "If there aren't meaningful reforms during this time of fiscal crisis, there never will be any reforms." Widmer's exactly right about that. If not now, when?
Proposed Transit Reforms May Drive Up Costs
May 21 2009
But Mike Widmer of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation says that's wishful thinking. "It would have the opposite effect, namely driving the highway department wages up closer to the Turnpike Authority wages, and in the end we'd be paying more through this transportation reorganization," Widmer said.
Towns, police grapple with possible Quinn Bill cut
in
May 21 2009
Given the uneven impact, Michael Widmer, director of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, called for the Quinn Bill to be altered rather than eliminated by a Legislature looking for budget cuts. "We need to have reform, not simply to have another sledgehammer here," he said.
Mass. businesses safe from loss of tax cut, for now
May 20 2009
Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, said there's "no way to tell" if the plan will resurface as the state's budget woes deepen.
Report: Health Care Costs Have Leveled Off
in
May 19 2009
Taxpayers Foundation President Michael Widmer says on average, the state is spending $88 million more annually on health coverage now than it did before the law passed. "I have found it rather striking that the public perception is that health reform is breaking the budget. That's just not the case," Widmer explains.
Business group: Health reform still affordable, but threatened
in
May 19 2009
The reform's initial cost has swelled from $1.041 billion in its first year to a projected $1.748 billion next fiscal year, half the increased bankrolled by federal reimbursements, leaving the state with annual increases averaging $88 million, the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation (MTF) said in a report out Tuesday.
Don't blame state's fiscal woes on health overhaul, study says
in
May 19 2009
Massachusetts' trailblazing health care overhaul has increased state spending by about $88 million a year, according to a study released today by the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, a nonprofit business research group.
Group gives healthcare law high marks
in
May 19 2009
The business-backed Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, which supported the law, said Tuesday it found state health care spending will grow by $707 million between the 2006 and 2010 fiscal years. Half the increase is reimbursed by the federal government for an annual state increase of $88 million.
Some city workers double-dip amid controversy about practice
in
May 17 2009
Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, is just as adamant. "The examples you cited show just how out of control the state pension system is," he told The Sun. "There's double dipping all over the place."
Reforms that lead to big savings
May 15 2009
A 2007 report by the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation and the Boston Municipal Research Bureau estimated that if all municipalities joined the GIC, after 10 years the total annual savings could be as much as $2.5 billion. This simple safeguard would protect employees: local health-insurance plans would have to be at least as generous as those the GIC offers.
Murphy considers college, hospital payroll tax
in
May 15 2009
Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation president Michael J. Widmer said that the state constitution prohibits local income taxes and that a proposed constitutional amendment that would have allowed them was rejected by voters in the 1990s.
Cahill: South Coast rail may be ‘impossible’
May 14 2009
Still, Cahill is not the only one who doubts whether the trains will move ahead. Michael Widmer, president of the business-backed Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, last fall told Providence Business News he saw "virtually no chance" the project would go forward anytime soon.
Why wait to enact reforms?
in
May 13 2009
"Because you have worked for one week, you get '23 and out'?" says Mike Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. "I don't buy it - and I don't think the courts would either."
Senators eye sales, gas, booze tax in budget bind
May 12 2009
Fiscal watchdog Michael Widmer, executive director at the business-based Massachusetts Taxpayers Association, said the cuts even with a 25 percent increase in the sales tax would trigger, "a tsunami-like reaction" from those dependent on state funding. "It's sort of degrees of pain, here.
Massachusetts sales tax hike a job killer, retailers association says
in
May 11 2009
Michael J. Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, said the Beacon Hill Institute is overestimating job losses from the proposed increase.
State study: Long, slow road to recovery
in
May 11 2009
Michael Widmer, executive director of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, estimates recovery will take until 2014 - and largely because the state has relied heavily on federal stimulus funding and its "rainy day" reserves fund, both of which will be just about spent by the end of 2010.
Briefing: State Budget
in
May 11 2009
The latest revenue estimate for FY 2010, which the Senate is using as it readies a proposal for release this month, is approximately $18 billion. In contrast, the original projection for 2009 was $21.5 billion, meaning revenues have declined 16 percent because of the recession.
Patrick wants union givebacks
in
May 8 2009
"The administration deserves credit for holding the increase to 1 percent for the first two years," said Michael J. Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. "But the state will still be in the midst of a fiscal crisis when the 3 percent increases take effect.
Economists: State's financial crisis could last until 2014
in
May 7 2009
Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, said state tax collections could plummet to as little as $17.8 billion next year. "This is going to be the worst fiscal crisis in the state's history," Widmer said.
Editorial: Tough choices face cities, towns
in
May 7 2009
Budget storm clouds began to gather last summer when the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, a fiscal watchdog, said the state revenue shortfall could easily exceed $1 billion - an unthinkable amount at the time. We argued in this space that it was time for cities and towns to get proactive by scouring their budgets for savings - and to make cuts where necessary.
‘Worst fiscal crisis’ in state history still not at bottom
in
May 6 2009
"I think it's fair to say it's a catastrophe," Widmer said, calling the state's predicament "the worst fiscal crisis in the state's history."
State tax group predicts dour 2010
May 6 2009
The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation (MTF) projected tax revenues will reach $17.82 billion in 2010, a steep drop from the $20.89 billion collected in 2008 and the $18.44 billion the state expects to take in this fiscal year.
Anticipated $2.4 billion decline in Mass. tax revenue will result in thousands of job loses, cuts in services, lawmakers warn
May 6 2009
Michael J. Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, said the state could need to spend up to $800 million from what's left in the rainy day fund this fiscal year, leaving it with only $500 million going into the next fiscal year.
State facing years of fiscal woes, analysts say
May 6 2009
"This is going to be the worst fiscal crisis in the state's history," said Michael J. Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. "I think it's fair to say it's a catastrophe. That's not an overstatement." Widmer projects that state tax collections will not return to 2008 levels until at least 2014, as state revenues lag behind a slowly rebuilding economy.
No relief soon: Mass. likely in crisis till 2014
May 6 2009
Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation President Michael Widmer predicted that state tax collections would not rebound to $21 billion, slightly above fiscal 2008 levels, until fiscal 2013 or fiscal 2014. I think it's fair to say it's a catastrophe," Widmer said, calling the state's predicament "the worst fiscal crisis in the state's history."
Mass. trying to address plummeting tax revenues
May 5 2009
Michael Widmer, president of the business-backed Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, predicted the state would collect just $17.8 billion in the fiscal year beginning July 1. "I think it's fair to say it's a catastrophe," Widmer said. "It's the worst single year in the state's history."
Braude Beat: Tax collections fall
May 5 2009
This is certainly not good news for those who opposed tax increases. Michael Widmer of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation says, "I think the devastating drop in revenues virtually assures we're going to have a multi-year crisis, and that's the huge dilemma you face."
State budget to be 'doom and gloom' for years to come
May 5 2009
Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, said state tax collections would not return to 2008 levels until at least 2014. "This is going to be the worst fiscal crisis in the state's history," Widmer said.
State transportation reforms need push
May 4 2009
The state Senate's final bill includes only mushy language about conducting an actuarial study to determine whether moving T employees to the state plan would save money. The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation estimates that MBTA health insurance costs are one-third higher than those of workers enrolled in the state health plan.
Lawmakers drop effort to add fee to insurance
in
May 2 2009
"I would be surprised to see many, if any, of these proposals, approved," said Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, a Boston nonprofit that analyzes the state's fiscal policies.
$1B less to force more budget cuts
in
May 1 2009
Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, called Patrick's initiative "unusual," and said he's never seen a governor refile a budget. But his group estimates revenue is off by $1 billion, and lawmakers have to recalibrate expectations.
State revenues continue free fall
in
May 1 2009
"We're in a free-fall here," said Michael J. Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. "The collapse of revenue is so huge that all of the options seem impossible - cuts of that magnitude or additional revenue of that magnitude."
Slipping revenues undermining House budget
Apr 30 2009
"This budget's going to be at least a billion dollars out of balance," Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, said of the plan the House is debating.
Mass. lawmakers try to hammer out budget
in
Apr 30 2009
Michael Widmer/Mass. Taxpayers Foundation: The collapse of revenues is so huge, that all of the options seem impossible. Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation President Michael Widmer says those options include draconian cuts to local aid, health care, human services and higher education.
Quinn cut would take toll
Apr 30 2009
"I think there is a serious question whether this kind of expenditure is justified," said Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. "Is education a good thing? Yes. There's some merit to the argument that it's better to have a police officer that's better educated. The problem is the premium paid for education - the cost of it and the entitlement nature of it."
Gas levy is dead, but sales tax hike is a certainty
Apr 30 2009
But, overall, the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation estimates the House-passed sales tax will cost the average state consumer $122 per year.
Proposed increase in sales tax could mean $200 milion more in local aid
Apr 28 2009
The business-backed Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation has not taken a position on the proposed sales-tax hike, but it released a report saying that a 1 percentage point increase would cost the average taxpayer an extra $122 a year.
House, but not Driscoll, backs sales tax hike
Apr 28 2009
According to the business-backed Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, a one percent increase in the state sales tax would cost the average taxpayer an extra $122 a year.
Sales tax hike to bring additional aid to Western Massachusetts communities
Apr 28 2009
Supporters pointed to an analysis by the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. Of the 45 states with a broad-based sales tax, Massachusetts ranks last in revenues collected from the sales tax per $1,000 of income, the foundation said. Even with the planned increase, Massachusetts would rank about No. 42 out of the 45 states, the foundation said.
Broadside: Tax hike showdown
Apr 28 2009
Widmer says he has been pushing for reforms for months. He says, "in the end you probably have to have revenue, but for heaven sakes take advantage of this incredible fiscal crisis to do reforms that have gone by the books for decades."
Patrick vows veto on Mass. tax hike
in
Apr 28 2009
A report by the business-backed Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation found a 1 percent increase in the state sales tax would cost the average taxpayer an extra $122 a year.
House approves increase in Massachusetts sales tax
in
Apr 28 2009
A report by the business-backed Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation found a 1 percent increase in the state sales tax would cost the average taxpayer an extra $122 a year.
Speaker pushing sales tax of 6.25%
Apr 27 2009
DeLeo's plan "doesn't come close to solving the transportation problems," said Michael J. Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, which supported a 25-cent increase in the gas tax.
Editorial: The fairest tax of all?
Apr 27 2009
In the budget debate, House leaders will be focusing sensibly on the state's 5 percent sales tax. It ranks lowest among the 45 states that have a sales tax, once adjusted for personal income, according to the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.
House to vote on sales tax
Apr 27 2009
Widmer, executive director of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, also said cities and towns would suffer without passing a proposal to increase local meals and hotel/motel taxes. The local taxes would help municipalities raise their own revenue as they face cuts in state aid.
Mass. House to debate 1.25 percent sales tax hike
Apr 27 2009
A report by the business-backed Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, which researches state spending, found that a 1 percent increase in the state sales tax would cost the average taxpayer an extra $122 a year. A family would pay out an extra $322 annually. Currently, of the 45 states with broad-based sales taxes, Massachusetts ranks last when measuring the amount of sales tax collected per $1,000 of income - in part because its sales tax is much narrower than in other states and exempts food, services and clothing under $175, according to the foundation.
Retirees from UMass, state police dominate the list of state pensions worth more than $100,000
Apr 26 2009
Michael J. Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, suggests pensions possibly should be limited to no more than $100,000 a year. Widmer also called for changes to the state law that bases a pension partly on the three highest-paid, consecutive years of service. State pensions should stem from lifetime earnings or at least five years of earnings, he said.
Business girds for battle on sales tax
Apr 25 2009
The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation released a report yesterday that estimated that a 1 percentage point increase in the sales tax would have produced $778 million this year, but that would decline to about $724 million next year because retail sales are falling with the economy. The study also estimated it would cost the average resident $120, or about $325 per household.
DeLeo 'open-minded' on sales tax
Apr 22 2009
"Right now there's the income tax, the sales tax, hotel-motel, meals, and everything else in between," DeLeo said after a speech to business and community leaders at the annual meeting of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. "You could take any one of those and say a certain portion [of the revenues] would be dedicated to transportation needs."
Pols shift attention to road woes
Apr 22 2009
There will be a transportation plan with a dedicated revenue source, DeLeo said after speaking at the 76th anniversary of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. He added he hopes to avoid toll increases.