Patrick threatens to veto sales tax increase

NICE! The man must read this site! The smartest thing he could have said.

THANK-YOU

LOL - it doesn't matter what the Gov. says. This is MA. The dems in the legislature rule alone.

They are not proposing/pushing a 1.25 % tax increase (that would bring it from 5% to 5.0625%) They are proposing to raise the sales tax by 25% (from 5% to 6.25 %) Let's try to report these things more accurately.

NO NEW SALES TAX, and CAN THE GAS TAX ALSO!!!!

Deval, get rid of the dead wood.

This is NOT "a 1.25 percent sales tax increase"!!!! It is a 25 percent sales tax increase. From 5% to 6.25% is either a 1.25 percentage point increase or a 25 percent increase.

A 1.25 percent increase is from 5% to 5.0625%.

I use more gas than I do toothpaste---so 6.25 % is better for me.

Cadillac Deval at it again.... Its really 6 of one, half dozen of another here... Up sales tax, or up gas tax. Everybody loses either way.

Why don't you and the other heads of state do what Romney did and NOT get paid. Get rid of all the higher ups who caused all this mess cut the positions pay, and hire someone who cares about the state and not themselves. Ohh yeah, Deval I want my tax money back that paid for your Cadillac, your $12,000 shades in you office, and your trip to Jamaica with "your security". Your a Governor not the president you don't need security.

Attention....Attention.....

Leave Massachusetts immediately.

Its clear that the politicians do not listen to the people. Nor do they work for the your best interests. Law makers apparently want to stick it to us without ever cutting the fat. You know that after Patrick gets his 19 cent hike in gas tax the 6.25% sales tax will kick in.....YOU ARE TAXED TOO MUCH IN THIS STATE ALREADY....but they do not want to hear that....

Leave while you still can. Soon only the rich will be able to afford this state!!!

Cute rewrite!

Just once... I would love to see "push a sales tax increase that would bring the state's 5 percent sales tax to 6.25 percent" written as "push a 25 percent sales tax increase that would increase the state's 5 percent sales tax to 6.25 percent"

So let's get this straight

Sales tax = bad. Not without reform

increase in Gas tax (which would be over 50 cents), candy tax, alchol tax, increase in hotel tax, et al is better. Still they should pass it without said reforms.

I guess the little taxes are btter because the people won't notice it as much

Bravo, Deval. Stand up for taxpayers and for the people! DeLeo and Murray are acting disgracefully. They just want more money without reforming. I fully support Patrick's veto over the House and Senate!

Wow I agree with Deval! Together We Can!
Vote out the Legislature!

Deval Patrick is a horrendous Leader and a worse Governor, but he is correct on this issue.

Now Cadillac D, this wouldn't be because of Christy's recent announcement would it?

wasn't an increase in the gas tax part of Gov. Duval's transportation reform bill? so essentially he's saying he will veto a tax increase unless Beacon Hill ok's his tax increase.
wow! now that's progressive!!!

thanks a lot buddy - you'll veto the tax unless you get to decide how to spend it. how very fiscally responsible of you, loser.

Good news.... let's see reform before implementing a regressive sales tax

Too little, too late. Let me play out the real scenario...

Patrick gets his transportation "reform," which turn out to include a $0.19 gas tax, and then the legislature passes the 6.25% sales tax on top of that. Meanwhile nothing changes.

Same old story different day.

Used to think Mihos was crazy - next to Devoid he is an all-star. Sorry Deval, but your gig is up. Time to call Obama.

If he wants to reduce health and pension benefits... He should start with his own, and those of his peers.

"House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo is pushing to increase the state’s 5 percent sales tax to 6.25 percent, raising $900 million in new revenue. He has been working today to try and secure a two-thirds majority, the amount necessary to override the governor’s veto. "

If he only would be half as much effort into cost reductions, we would be fine.

Repeat after me:

Reform before taxes!
Reform before taxes!
Reform before taxes!

Get the nomination papers ready, we need to vote them out!

"steward public funds wisely", oh man that's good, I would laugh if the state of the Commonwealth weren't so dire.

Raising the sales tax in an economy where people are purchasing less makes no little sense. To do so means you'll be making it even more harder on those who are already struggling.

Sounds like a load of BS to me! My guess is we're going to get BOTH a 19 cent increase in the gas tax and a 1.25% increase in the sales tax.

After all, the great citizens of this state told them that we like paying taxes... MORONS!!

Maybe, just maybe, Deval Patrick finally realizes the very precarious political situation he's facing next year. Is he sincere and truly wants pension reform? Is he doing political spadework, so he can appear to be against more taxes in an election year while he knows the Legislature will raise them anyway? Is he positioning himself to split the difference, with some reforms and a 5.5 percent tax when all is done?

I don't know. But the answer is in there somewhere.

200% agree with governer..

You know how this movie ends....
We get the tax on gas AND the sales tax with zero reform.
Thanks, Democrats.

Talk about nonsense! I'm sick of the game-playing going on "in conference" &
"behind closed doors" at the State House where our State "monkey business"
has been a game since" Hector was a pup!" Why not just do something about
the "little known quirks in the law" that allow multiple abuses with taxpayer
money"? The public has been fooled too long. Ladies and Gentlemen of the
legislature and leaders in state government be it known that the public has
been fooled(screwed) long enough! No one in government has the testicular
or breasticular fortitude to work for the common good...rather than special interests! Prepare for changes down the road!

About time--Deval's tin ear is gone!. De Leo is having his agenda challenged. Deval had a sound casino plan, and De Leo want to protect his track buddies. Deval wants to clean up the mess, and De Leo apparently isn't willing to scramble some eggs to make the omelet.

Patrick has been politically inept during most of his term, but I think he has just hit a home run with this one. Public won't stand for a tax hike without even a symbolic housecleaning.. Deval gets it, De Leo does not.

YES, stand up to the bums in the legislature. Finally, doing your job deval.

I hope that they get the 2/3rds majority needed to override the governor. How soon can we get Patrick out of office? I vote democratic normally but it seems like every other day he makes another horrible decision!

Reform and cut the fat. Has the state laid anyone off yet? Time are tough eliminate the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority now!

Typical politics you didn't support my bill so I am not supporting yours.

The Governor is correct in what needs to happen. The legislature must stop acting like they're dealing with a Republican Governor and begin working on the common sense reforms the Governor has proposed . . . months ago!

What the heck has the legislature been up to since January?

Thank-you Governor Patrick, and please stand your ground. The transportation system (both transit and highway) is in need of major infrastructure improvements, and your proposed gasoline tax increase is the best way to get this accomplished. It will generate more money, and money that is directly geared towards transportation improvements (which will spur job growth as well).

Stand up to the misled legislature, and their attempts to enact a regressive tax with their proposed sales tax increase which is bad for the Commonwealth.

The people from the Socialist Republic of Taxachussetts have spoken. Everyone is threatening to drive NH to save money on taxes for goods, services, and gasoline as a show of force, boycotting the oppressed taxes set forth by our disconnected representatives. One would never know that the revolutionary actions taken against the British for unjust taxation and representation began here in what has now become the Socialist Republic of Taxachussetts. Listening to the talk shows and reading the blogs one would conclude that the residents of this state are comprised of nothing but a society of oppressed victims.

The question I put forth to the people of this over taxed state is where will you be next November during the elections? If history continues to repeat itself you will either be no shows at the polls or elect the same destructive legislative idiots who put forth these ideas of increased sales taxes during distressed economic times. As for me, this is my last trip over the border to NH to save money, as I am moving there permanently. I would rather live free or die than to subject myself to the fleecing by self-serving disconnected representatives repeatedly elected by their helpless servants. Last one left turn out the lights…. I will great you at the border.

Please don't veto the Southern New Hampshire Economic Stimulus Act of 2009! This gives me more incentive to border jump to the Granite State for everything! Jump it to 10%!

As usual his head is in the sand,he want's to raise the gas tax or tolls. Energy is what took this country down ,you cannot spend more to run your car and heat your house than you pay for RE taxes!! every month.At least with a sales tax you are not forced to buy anything, but you do have to buy gas for your car and pay tolls if that is your only way to work. But again he would have to pay sales tax but gets his gas free so lets raise the gas tax.

TAXACHUSETTS!!

They're all crooks and until people realize this, it's going to stay business as usual, taxpayers paying for their mistakes and mismanagment

Pure theater. On the next page of the script he's "reluctantly forced" into accepting the tax increases.

The population of the entire state should not have to pay for the mismanagement of the MTA and especially the MBTA. Those organizations need drastic reforms, including to their pension systems.
Gas taxes need to be increased in order to fund and encourage public transportation...which in this state is highly unreliable and has very limited coverage.

The Massachusetts and City of Boston governments are so top heavy with high cost management salaries and bonuses, corruption in spending practices, early full pay pensions for state workers at a time when the taxpayers are losing their jobs, evicted from their homes, loss of pensions, savings, and stability is now the norm for a large portion of our population. Everyone has to cut back to adjust to todays economic realities, but the state and the city of Boston just don't seem to get it. Reduce the size and cost of government to match income, or risk a tax revolt. We the people have had enough.

Good on you Govnah! No new taxes until all reform takes place!

It took 200 years for this country to grow and mature and provide its citizens the highest standard of living civilization has ever seen. This is all coming undone by those that think everything should be free.
When the well dries up, and that's not far away, there won't be enough money left to do any good for anybody. Those that stand in line for free money, free health care, free living expenses, free child care, free college, free TV's and free transportation, plus illegal immigrants looking for all their free benefits are all going to be "shocked" when the federal government runs out of money and resourses. It is happening right now.
Hard working people, that pay the taxes that support this failure of a government of ours through payroll taxes are becoming smaller in number. Add to this federal income tax collections have fallen drastically plus businesses are not only closing, but many good businesses are continuing to move over seas for cheaper costs.
Adding to this smoldering situation, America's population is growing in leaps and bounds due to illegal immigrants that are still streaming into America through open borders that the federal government refuses to close. We are living in a powder keg and I'm concerned how little concern there is about American citizens that are about to lose all they have. God bless America no longer applies, it's now God Help America. I'm too old to fight, but I would if it would save our country from what I think is coming.

Deval, Yout letter is a lot of HOGWASH. Tighten your belt and get on with the show, or go join your buddy OBAMA.

Good God, If you raise the State Sales Tax it's not going to increase income by 900 million. You'll just have more people running up to NH to shop which in the long run could possibly hurt us more. The answer to our problems is budget reform and cutting government waste... and this is coming from a Liberal.

Is he nuts? He says he won't support any type of sweeping tax increase yet he wants to raise the gas tax by astronomical amounts! i'd rather take a small hit on various purchases than a huge one on a necessity...it may be psychological and we will ultimately pay more in the end, but it's more digestable of the options.

Wonder if any of the wingnut whiners will be here giving the governor credit. I'm guessing the answer will be no. I'm sure they will be here whining though. That's just what wingnut whiners do.

Please Legislators! Forget the sales tax.
Reconfiguration of the state's transportation industries is long overdue and an increase in the gas tax makes so much more sense than a tax on food!
Really!

Over 100 activists rallied at the State House today to protest severe cuts to the budget. The governor was nowhere to be seen, but his office sent out a spokesperson who listened as people told their stories. Most of us are barely getting by, while the rich are getting tax breaks. Meanwhile the House actually debated charging prisoners for room and board in order to raise revenue!
The people of Massachusetts need change, not Republican policies disguised as Democratic. Wake up- Deval! The Commonwealth ship is sinking and it's time to set aside your Ego and approve some tax hikes- preferably on the rich and not on the poor or working class.

At this point, I couldn’t care less if the Governor is posturing…finally someone in state government who endorses reform.

He wants to veto this tax increase but he wants 19 cents gas tax, I don't understand. This is not a good time to talk about increasing taxes. No wonder many are fleeing the state of Taxachusetts.

Good for Deval... The legislature seems to think that they can get by without restructuring all its pork spending. Good riddance to the MBTA, MTA, and Massport. Id like to know how much money is spent not only in administrative costs for each entity, but also how much money is wasted when they "share" each other's resources. Cut back on waste before increasing taxes. If my taxes are getting raised, I want it to go to education, no transportation.

The Legislature said reform before revenue, the Governor puts out a package with the reforms the public and media have been clamoring for with targeted revenue increases for targeted public infrastructure projects and programs and he also wants to close the telecom loophole for a cool 200 mil a year and put forward a local option for cities and towns to ease the pain from cuts in state aid that could be permanent, and the Legislature says no! we have a plan, to hell with cities, towns and the Governor we'll do it our way, the same ol same ol! I think the Governors plan is just what the Doctor ordered!

i appreciate this stance by the governor

Taxes and excessive government spending are killing us. It took 200 years for this country to grow and mature and provide its citizens the highest standard of living civilization has ever seen. This is all coming undone by those that think everything should be free.
When the well dries up, and that's not far away, there won't be enough money left to do any good for anybody. Those that stand in line for free money, free health care, free living expenses, free child care, free college, free TV's and free transportation, plus illegal immigrants looking for all their free benefits are all going to be "shocked" when the federal government runs out of money and resourses. It is happening right now.
Hard working people, that pay the taxes that support this failure of a government of ours through payroll taxes are becoming smaller in number. Add to this federal income tax collections have fallen drastically plus businesses are not only closing, but many good businesses are continuing to move over seas for cheaper costs.
Adding to this smoldering situation, America's population is growing in leaps and bounds due to illegal immigrants that are still streaming into America through open borders that the federal government refuses to close. We are living in a powder keg and I'm concerned how little concern there is about American citizens that are about to lose all they have. God bless America no longer applies, it's now God Help America. I'm too old to fight, but I would if it would save our country from what I think is coming.

Standard-Thomson Corp. of Waltham was driven out of the state due to high costs. How many more employers will give up on outrageous Massachusetts taxes?

He's just such a fiscal conservative stalwart.
He's my 'hero'
NOT
He's running for a second term you dumb knaves.

threatens? how about an all out "no way I am allowing the tax increase!"

It is time Massachusetts clean house. Weather you voe Democrat or Republican vote for the new guy in the next election. This state is sclerotic and heading toward a fiscal breakdown. Demand reforms if they do not materialize have the fortitude to vote them out.

you can put a liberal black in a suit, but it's still just a suit.

can this guy accomplish anything without doubling the tax rates?

no we can't

The governor understands what we in tax policy circles call "deadweight loss."

The legislature doesn't. Astonishing that the elected officials of one of the smallest states in the Union cannot appreciate the stimulus being bestowed on Southern NH. Drive up Routes 3, 93 or 28 and its all weeds and trees for miles until you get to the border. Then it is shopping nirvana. How much use tax does the legislature expect to get? If they are smart, they won't expect much.

Thus, when the tax is hiked, and revenues actually decline, you can say, you heard it here first. Won't be my ox being gored, but I am sorry for the bagholders that will get hit in the property tax because other revenue sources are declining.

Here's a free tip from someone with his JD, big firm experience, and an LLM in tax law from NYU---don't buy property in Massachusetts unless you get a significant discount against future taxes at the state and local level.

WAKE UP
Meals taxes are much higher in all of the surrounding states. NH is 8 percent, Vermont is 9 percent. We are idiots to raise the sales taxes which put the burden on the residents. Meals taxes will be paid in a large part by the tourist and business travelers. Look at what you pay to other states when you travel.
IF (big if) taxes have to go up it is the meals tax with local option dedicated to reduce property tax should be use instead of any other tax.(People won’t have incentive to go out of state like they would if a sales tax were increased.)

WAKE UP
Meals taxes are much higher in all of the surrounding states. NH is 8 percent, Vermont is 9 percent. We are idiots to raise the sales taxes which put the burden on the residents. Meals taxes will be paid in a large part by the tourist and business travelers. Look at what you pay to other states when you travel.

IF (big if) taxes have to go up it is the meals tax with local option dedicated to reduce property tax should be used instead of any other tax.(People don’t have the incentive to go out of state like they would if a sales tax were increased.)