Publications: Taxes

View more in Taxes [1]

October 21 2010
Question 3 Proponents Inflate State Spending [2]
In order to try to minimize the enormous consequences of Question 3, the proponents argue incorrectly that total state spending is $52 billion when the correct number is approximately $32 billion, as shown on page 137 of the 2009 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
Download Press Release [3]
September 22 2010
Question 3: Heading Over the Cliff [4]
Voter approval of Question 3 would result in across-the-board cuts of approximately 30 percent in virtually all state programs, including local aid, higher education, human services, prisons, courts, environmental protection, and state parks and beaches, according to a report released today by the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.

The report concludes that state leaders would face a $4.5 billion shortfall in the fiscal 2012 budget - an already existing structural deficit of at least $2 billion plus $2.5 billion of reduced tax revenues by cutting the sales tax from 6.25 percent to 3 percent.

Download Press Release [5]
Full Publication (PDF) [6]
September 16 2010
State Finances: Heading Over the Cliff? [7]
In a presentation to business and government leaders, MTF President Michael Widmer described the $2 to $2.5 billion budget gap facing the state in 2012, which will likely turn out to be the most difficult year of the state's extended fiscal crisis. Compounding this predicament, should voters approve the ballot question to cut the sales tax from 6.25 to 3 percent, the state would lose $2.5 billion in revenues raising the 2012 shortfall to nearly $5 billion.
Full Publication (PDF) [8]
April 28 2009
The Sales Tax Debate - Update [9]
The Foundation addresses several questions about an increase in the state's sales tax including how much would be raised, what it will cost the average taxpayer and how Massachusetts compares with other states.
Full Publication (PDF) [10]
March 3 2009
COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORTATION REFORM AND FINANCE PLAN [11]
In collaboration with four other groups, the Foundation has put forward a comprehensive transportation reform and finance plan to address the long backlog of transportation investments critical to the Massachusetts economy. The plan encompasses the recommendations of the Transportation Finance Commission, on which the Foundation served, including changes to the MBTA's benefit structure that could save between $1 and $2 billion over the next 20 years. The proposed 25 cent increase in the gas tax would enable the Commonwealth to address the rapidly deteriorating roads and bridges in each section of the state, putting the regional transit authorities and the Western Turnpike, as well as the MBTA, on stronger financial footing, and provide some toll relief to those using the Metro Highway System.

Download Press Release [12]
Full Publication (PDF) [13]
October 20 2008
Economic Impacts of Eliminating the Massachusetts State Income Tax [14]
This report was prepared by: Global Insight, Inc.
Sponsored by:
Associated Industries of Massachusetts
Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce
Massachusetts Business Roundtable
Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation

Full Publication (PDF) [15]
October 15 2008
Question 1 Proponents Inflate State Spending [16]
In order to try to minimize the enormous consequences of Question 1, the proponents argue incorrectly that total state spending is $47 billion when, as the Foundation has shown, the correct number is approximately $31.8 billion.
Full Publication (PDF) [17]
October 2008
Foundation Releases Major Report on Wide-Ranging Consequences of Question 1 to Repeal the Income Tax [18]
Download Press Release [19]
Full Publication (PDF) [20]
September 21 2008
Find Another Way to Send a Message [21]
An upcoming analysis by the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation shows that if one were to preserve the 2008 level of spending for Medicaid, health reform, state aid to municipalities, and debt service, then one would have to eliminate every other program of state government - from prisons, courts, and State Police to funding for higher education and the elaborate network of services for the elderly
Full Publication (PDF) [22]
October 2007
An Analysis of Property Tax Credits and Transportation Funding Under the Governor's Casino Proposal [23]
On October 25 the Foundation released a report analyzing the revenue projections included in the administration's plan to license three casinos in Massachusetts. The detailed analysis raises a variety of questions about the revenues and benefits from the three casinos, including an assessment of the impact on property taxes and transportation needs.
Full Publication (PDF) [24]

Links:
[1] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/taxes
[2] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/budget/fy_2012/20101021/question_3_proponents_inflate_state_spending
[3] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/Question 3 news release.pdf
[4] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/budget/fy_2012/20100922/question_3_heading_over_cliff
[5] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/MTF Question 3 News Release.pdf
[6] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/MTF Question 3 Report.pdf
[7] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/budget/fy_2012/20100916/state_finances_heading_over_cliff
[8] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/state_finances_09_16_10.pdf
[9] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/taxes/sales_tax/20090428/the_sales_tax_debate_update
[10] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/sales_tax_backgrounder_house_update.pdf
[11] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/taxes/gas_tax/20090303/comprehensive_transportation_reform_and_finance_p
[12] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/transportation group releaseII (2).pdf
[13] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/Business group transportation reform and finance plan.pdf
[14] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/taxes/income_tax/20081020/economic_impacts_eliminating_massachusetts_sta
[15] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/tmp_345_10-20-2008_15837_.pdf
[16] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/taxes/income_tax/20081015/question_1_proponents_inflate_state_spending
[17] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/Question 1 Proponents Inflate State Spending.pdf
[18] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/taxes/income_tax/20081001/foundation_releases_major_report_wideranging_c
[19] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/Question 1_press_release.pdf
[20] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/MTF_Question1_Analysis.pdf
[21] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/taxes/income_tax/20080921/find_another_way_send_a_message
[22] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/Find another way to send a message.pdf
[23] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/public_finance/taxes/20071001/an_analysis_property_tax_credits_and_transportation_fundi
[24] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/sites/masstaxpayers.org/files/MTF Casino Report.pdf
[25] http://www.masstaxpayers.org/publications/16?page=1