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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.