Taxes

Michael J. Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, said the small reduction announced yesterday is a positive step toward meeting the 5 percent promise, but acknowledged there is a price to be paid. “On the other hand, given the realities of 2013, this will likely mean additional budget cuts,’’ he said.

“Cities and towns are facing a permanent fiscal squeeze, in which costs are rising faster than revenues,’’ said Michael Widmer, president of the foundation.

Michael Widmer, president of the business-backed Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, described Romney's jobs record as "mixed," saying Romney failed to take the long view in his planning. "The administration never really put together an overall economic development strategy to improve the state's economic competitiveness," he said.