Monday, February 9, 2009

What, No Property Tax Relief?

It was revealed today by the Boston Herald that Governor Patrick is mulling a 27 cent per gallon gasoline tax increase, an idea that candidate Deval Patrick back in 2006 adamantly opposed. Candidate Patrick also promised property tax relief. In fact, his whole campaign platform was geared toward that very concept, that residents of Massachusetts under his administration would see tax relief.

Does Governor Patrick really believe, with gas prices on the rise as we noted earlier, that raising the gas tax is actually a good idea? Or, is he succumbing to political pressure? Several well-known economists believe we will eventually pay $4.00 a gallon once again in the future. It seems the Governor is using the current prices as an excuse to once again stick it to Massachusetts taxpayers.

We have said it before and will continue to say it. We cannot reach into the taxpayers pocket or purse again until we explore every other option. We need real reform, not a quick fix, but a long term solution to the challenges the Commonwealth faces.