Ken Pittman Blog!
May 1st, 2009
Kudos to Representatives Robert Koczera and John Quinn for voting "NO" on the Massachusetts Sales Tax increase which would go from 5% to 6.25% (or 25% in increase). Sorry to say Reps. Steve Canessa, Tony Cabral and Bill Straus all saw the wisdom in taking more from the economically ailing Southcoast residents. Based on principle it is wrong. If you are just buying a pack of AA batteries you might not object in your busy life but what about the homeowner buying a $300,000 home? Now it is an additional $3,750.00. That erases the money to move and thse funds you may have used to purchase things for the new abode. How about a $25,000 car? An additional $312.50 or probably more than you would have spent registering your new vehicle. Outragious now? Ya, I know!!
Not only does this harm merchants as well as consumers but the sales tax has no obligation to finance the Southcoast Rail. At least Governor Patrick's Gas tax increase commited a portion toward the rail down here. the House vote was 108 "Yes" - 51 "No". A 68% vote. Had the Southcoast reps all been unified in protecting the taxpayers and the rail project, the governor would have had the veto power. Nice job sabotaging the rail fellas.
Don't worry, I'm not endorsing any tax or fee creation and/or increase whatsoever but the sales tax increase would do more damage to state revenues and to Southcoast Rail. I can hear the New Hampshire merchants pop champagne from here. The Democratic dominated legislature and the governor are not interested in hearing the fact that there is no need to raise any tax or any fee. All that is needed is to cut off any state programs to illegal aliens.. End of story. $3B right there.
Education, incarceration and medication are all free on top of housing, heating and daycare assistance if you make it to "goose" here in Massachusetts if you are in this country illegally. Governor Patrick told me on my afternoon show (M-F 2-6 PM) that, "We really shouldn't be catergorizing people."
Does this mean the governor wants to do away with the state and federal tax codes? Didn't this guy just want to put up tolls and hammer out of state license plates with a travelling fee? Isn't Affirmitive Action putting folks into catagories?
Folks there is plenty of money to run basic services in Massachusetts. We are just not allowed to prioritize it for the rightful citizens.
