Publications: Taxes

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.

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

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.

MTF and three other business organizations have joined together to defeat Question 1, the Libertarian Party's reckless proposal to abolish the state income tax. If adopted, this extreme measure would throw the finances of state and local governments into chaos and inevitably lead to major increases in property and sales taxes. View MTF's Case Against Question 1.

On November 6, voters in eight Massachusetts communities -- including Boston, Malden and Waltham -- rejected a ballot measure that would have raised property taxes by up to three percent to fund affordable housing, historic preservation and open space initiatives.

Presentation to seminar sponsored by the West Springfield Chamber of Commerce. Provides an overview of the disproportionate impact of property tax classification on the tax burden of Massachusetts businesses, with updated numbers for fiscal 2000.

With the state struggling to pay the cost of its current health care programs, the Foundation called on the Legislature to dedicate any new revenues from the proposed 50-cent increase in the tobacco tax to meet the Commonwealth's long list of underfunded health care obligations before further expanding the Medicaid rolls.

Legislative Testimony: MTF testimony in opposition to legislation that would undo important tax reforms for manufacturers and mutual fund companies, two key elements of the state's export sector.