CLT Memo to the Legislature
Friday, July 29, 2016
No New Taxes!
To: House and
Senate members
July 29, 2016
The seed for a new tax on motorists has been planted within H.4424, a bill
providing funding for roads and bridges.
An amendment quietly inserted by the Senate Ways and Means Committee would have
Massachusetts apply for federal funding to test a tax on vehicle miles traveled
scheme. This is the first step toward a new tax on motorists. Whether it would
be in addition to, or on top of the current gas tax is unknown, but if past is
prelude we can assume the worst.
We strongly urge legislators and the governor to reject this first step toward a
new tax.
We also adamantly oppose an amendment to the municipal government reform bill
filed by Sen. Benjamin Downing (D-Pittsfield) which would give communities an
option to levy a local tax to pay for local transportation costs.
Beleaguered Massachusetts taxpayers already pay too much — the 5th-highest per
capita burden in the nation — while they still await the voters' 2000 mandate
that the "temporary" income tax hike be restored to its historic 5% as promised
twenty-seven years ago when it was "temporarily" increased.
With the rush of major legislation being voted upon over this final weekend of
the legislative session these and any tax increases do not deserve consideration
in this 11th-hour — only rejection.
Thank you for your consideration.
Citizens for Limited Taxation ▪ PO
Box 1147 ▪ Marblehead, MA 01945
▪ 508-915-3665