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Question 3 Proponents Inflate State Spending

abagley — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 07:44:21 -0500

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.

Question 3: Heading Over the Cliff

abagley — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 09:11:01 -0500

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.

State Finances: Heading Over the Cliff?

abagley — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 14:57:54 -0500

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.

The Sales Tax Debate - Update

abagley — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:36:30 -0500

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.

COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORTATION REFORM AND FINANCE PLAN

abagley — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 16:37:21 -0600

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.

Economic Impacts of Eliminating the Massachusetts State Income Tax

abagley — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 15:09:48 -0500

This report was prepared by: Global Insight, Inc.

Question 1 Proponents Inflate State Spending

abagley — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 10:48:06 -0500

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.

Foundation Releases Major Report on Wide-Ranging Consequences of Question 1 to Repeal the Income Tax

abagley — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 11:27:15 -0500

Find Another Way to Send a Message

abagley — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 11:30:08 -0500

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

An Analysis of Property Tax Credits and Transportation Funding Under the Governor's Casino Proposal

dlind — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 11:42:24 -0500

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.