Maybe you should cut your pay and see how you like It !!!

Yes. Transportation and education are critical linchpins in our Commonwealth's long-term health.

Every time that I think that this clown has come up with every conceivable way to raid my wallet, he once again amazes me.

Kimberly,

Let us hope you did not write the headline with the phrase, "invest in the future." Your future could be limited as a journalist. The headline should have read, "Patrick presses on with Democrat policies of tax, spend, borrow and elect."

Reverend E. Raleigh Pimperton III

Much of the infrastructure debt our transportation and road systems are facing is due to the Big Dig overruns. There is no doubt that controlling costs and raising taxes is the only way to achieve stability financially. It is painful and my hope is that partisan politics and the virtirol that so pervades these discussions can be put aside for a greater good. Living inside our means is just prudent and necessary

The Sales tax would be off limits. What about the income tax? His visions are grand, but we all know it will never happen, There will be cost overruns unto the billions, It will be years to completion, There will come the statement to the effect of: "We underestimated the cost of labor and materials. Therefore, we will have to increase the sales tax to 6% to make up the difference" Either way it will cost us much much more than what is proposed. Rail service that runs on time? There's a pipe dream. Yesterday's 5 inches of snow set the commuter rail back at least an hour or more. Keep dreaming Governor... only stop dreaming with our money!

It is amazing how much money Gov Patrick has spent since he has been in office. And now he wants to spend $1.9 billion to extend the train to the South Shore? Plus the untold billions in other projects. He claims the Big Dig costs are a major burden from past leadership, now he wants to add to that burden for future leadership. As for investing more in education, that sounds great. But MA is already one of the best states in the country for education. Why do we need to add billions of dollars more to that? The scariest word in government is efficiency. Clearly this country has a major spending problem and MA is no different. But how about the government start spending the people's tax money in a more efficient and productive way? How about the voters of this state vote on some of these billion+ dollar projects? Just my thoughts.

It's interesting how the people who say they want us to live within our means don't realize that taxes go toward the public school system, public safety, and infrastructure in their towns. They use all these things, and complain that they aren't good enough, but then get upset when they realize there is a bill to pay to keep these things there for them.

Instead of initiating costly, new "legacy" projects in our very shaky economy, Gov. Patrick should be working with the legislature to "strengthen the things that remain."

I think they said if best in the local Fox News last night: you can't ask your parents for more in your allowance and not be prepared to tslk about where you have been spending it. I personally think it will send our local economy in a tail spin. We are not fully recovered from recession, country wide we all just started giving back 2% more to ss and Medicare, and almost all of my family's expenses go up each year from food and gas, to healthcare and utilities. This would actually be the food out of my sons mouth, and the shirt off my back. I just can't afford it, and will move out of state before its taken from me.

No. Raising the income tax punishes people who work (like me) for the benefit of people who do not (like Aunt Zetuni).

It's another wealth redistribution plan. Doctor Evil has taught Mini-Me well!

Patrick's education plan, starting with universal pre-school education, is outstanding and should be a model for the nation. There's no better investment in our country's future. Re: tax increases, we moved to Belmont from Southern California. Life here is a BARGAIN! Elaine Murphy

I agree. I don't like paying more taxes but I think it's necessary.

I think the sales tax cut is a wonderful idea. But I think that pre school education is a waste of money. I started kindergarten at 4 and that was too young. This sounds like free daycare to me.

We would have more money if he stopped filling needless positions with his neighbors, friends, and political hacks. Stop giving my money to fund illegals and EBT cards for a day out at the track.

Like living in the magical land where it rains only while we sleep, we have come to consider it routine for our private budgets to include clean and comfortable year-round heating with no trips to the woodshed, winter getaways, food that is out of season or from thousands of miles away, SUVs for supermarket errands, miracle fabrics and designer brands for daily wear, and a hundred toys per child. In fact, we live better than royalty has for most of human history. Yet we expect to sacrifice none of this for the costs of public infrastructure and present and future social needs. No human endeavor on the large scale is ever perfect, but Patrick's direction is the one I want to be going in so that I can look my family -- present and future -- in the eye.

Politicians who want more money for who knows what use the same words: we need more money for education, for our kids. Isn't it such a cliche? I bet from 1.9 billion he is going to raise will go to pay for new management and programs that do nothing but employ his friends and relatives.

You Liberals elected him......now live with it

Where are the spending cuts?

How many people have been added to the state payroll since Mr. Patrick took office?

How many more people are dependent on State aid since Mr. Patrick too office?

How many more people are collecting a pension since Mr. Patrick too office?

When he wanted to raise the sales tax, was that a bad idea because now he wants to lower it?

Look at what other states have down with taxes like Texas if you want growth.

What will Liz say? she was going to stand up for "US" be our "VOICE" wasn't she? Oh wait, on this one she will have to defer to the Governor... So much for that stance....

Just when we barely avoid a second recession, and the economy starts meager improvements, both Obama and his understudy Deval think that is the signal to start on a whole new tranch of spending sprees. Fisal prudence is a phrase that Democrats don't seem to grasp. And such cliched phrases such as "building infrastructure" and "for the children" are trotted out once more without any embarrassment. But why shouldn't they? They've seen that the voters of this country are just as stupid as they think they are. Why not put the spending pedal to the metal? The country is populated by a bunch of "gimmes"...and they are multiplying.
Disaster looms ahead. Chris Christie, please run for President!

Folks, there are MBTA bus drivers, Subway drivers, T Police officers, etc making OVER 100K. And I'm not even talking about the pensions they receive.
Once Deval cuts these pay rates and cuts the MBTA pensions...they have ALL the money they need....but they want more...because they love to throw money away.
Do the GOOGLE search on MBTA 2012 Salaries...it is an eye opener. Good story for PATCH to do...

"The MBTA estimates that the annual operating cost for the South Coast Rail will be approximately $26 million (in 2017 dollars) and that the new annual revenue associated with the new rail line will be approximately $5 million. This will result in an annual shortfall of approximately $21 million that will need to be funded from other sources."

From "South Coast Rail: A Plan For Action" by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation (page 36), posted here: http://www.southcoastrail.com/downloads/South_Coast_Rail_Plan_for_Action_04.04.2007.pdf

While I understand that public transit always requires subsidies, is it unreasonable to ask the users to pay fares that cover at least 30% of the cost of operations?

Just like his buddy, Obama! How about cutting entitlements? Let's tax the hell out of those who actually work and ultimately pay for those who aren't. What's the percentage, those working & paying and those sitting on their butt taking? I truly believe there are some who really need, and they should be cared for. But how about the rest of them? Obama's Aunt, sitting on her ass for how many yrs, illegal immigrant, we, the tax payers have paid for her health, food, rent, etc. I wonder, does she have a nice car and big flat screen TV? Give, Give, Give, who does he think he is, Robin Hood? Enough is enought.

What about the $105 Billion dollar transportation bill Obama signed in July? Of which Massachusetts is suppose to receive 1.2 billion for road and bridge work and $345 million for transportation? I guess this isn't good enough for Patrick. Liberals are always looking for ways to get more money out of us.

We must look at the big picture. One party rule eliminates checks and balances including balancing our checks. Multiple Speakers of the House are now felons. The Probation Dept is about to come under Fed investigation. The Lt Gov and his ties to Chelsea Housing scandal and his 108 mph joy ride cell phone records get broomed away. Illegal aliens dirve, kill, go to school at in-state rates and get free healthcare. Raises were given out by the Speaker and Senate President last month to their top staff members. MA lost a seat in Congress because there are less people living here and you read all the time of the "brain drain" where recent college grads who used to come to school and stay now beat it out of town for good once they get their diplomas and use their educations to look at comparative cost of living and quality of life data. They used to do that and stay. That's off the top of my head. So of course his Excellency now goes in front of his sycophant legislators and cries.. POOR MOUTH and talks of his vision and eventually says the "T" word after investment, blah, blah. There's more than enough money around if meaningful work is undertaken to look at wasteful spending and feel good programs that are patently unfair to the working Joes and Janes among us. Look in our own backyard. Rep Conroy has NEVER voted against any tax relief measure including the tax free weekend of last August. But he runs unopposed. We're all being played for fools and are thought of as such. Peace.

What he says makes sense! I agree with the Govenor! Cheers! Bill Montague

With taxes and fees, yada yada, I feel I am paying enough already, and I am and I have been my entire adult working life. No more taxes, please.

On the surface this does not look good, since MA income tax in the total state tax basket is already quite high. In fact from 2007 data (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/69/19237_TaxFoundation_v2.gif) MA income state tax contributes up to 40%. The only 2 other state with higher income state tax portion are OR and MD.

Another issue is shifting tax burden and shrinking tax base. Obviously, sales tax affects all buyers, while income tax affects earners. I would like to see how income tax increase/sales tax decrease affects middle class. I suspect the burden will be on middle class shoulders, while ultra rich and poor will pay same or less.

Why doesn't Patrick start with taxing government pensions and raising the retirement age of state workers. Right now public pensions are exempt from state tax, and most government workers can retire in their 50s while immediately collecting hefty pensions and generous health care packages. We are living in two Americas here were the politically connected get to live at the expense of those in the private sector. I won't be able to collect my small Social Security check until I am almost 67 and will have to pay taxes on it. Most government employees will have been retired for well over ten years but that age and living tax free. Somethings very wrong here.

Sadly raising the income tax will really hit the people paying most of the taxes anyway. The workers are the ones paying income tax, property tax, excise, and sales tax. How about raising the sales tax instead if you need money? Preschool is great but the government is just trying to pick up where the dead beat parents are failing. We don't need to raise everyone's children. Plenty of parents do an excellent job at this already. Maybe instead of all these welfare benefits (section 8, ebt, masshealth) the state just gives a daycare stipend and fuel assistance. If everyone could afford daycare while they work then there would be plenty of jobs in this field. With low income tax, businesses would be attracted to the area. Teach people the value and responsibility of a job and in turn they will be more reponsible parents. Also how about some copays for MassHealth at the Emergency room. Mine happens to be $250 and I have really great insurance if MassHealthers and Illegals were to pay just half that $125 upon walking in the door or having it deducted from their ebt, I think you would think twice about going in there for the sniffles. As far as transportation goes the state mismanages money ie. the big dig. MBTA workers also get crazy pay, pension, and retirement. I am all for paying my share of taxes but come on how about some revolutionary changes for the better.

It really is sad. Government keeps spending more and more and more. They want more of every dollar. They won't stop. It's not in their nature. It's not in a business nature either. The big difference is that people aren't forced to give their hard earned income to a business.

If anyone of you has ever run a business, you'd know that more money you have gives you the leeway of being less creative. The government does have enough money, it just need to focus on productivity.

Don't worry. Deval intends to send your hard earned tax dollars to people like Lawrence Mayor Lantigua. He'll be able to spend it better than you or I. Government knows best.
The War on Success and the hard workers is alive and well. Democrats are not fond of either successful people or hard workers.

Whatever the excuse that is used does not matter. That the money will be spent on corruption, with connected corrupt cronies is OK too.

As long as politicians say they are doing for the children and people are only going to piss away their money on porn or video games or at church bingo, there is nothing wrong with increasing taxes more and more to "pay" for the "needed" improvements or the "vital" programs.

We are not only spreading the wealth, but we are spreading the bs too.

Let`s try this, all the state, county and local government pensions are void of state income TAX, let`s CHANGE THAT.

While there are a lot of complaints about raising the income tax, there is very little comment of any kind about reducing the sales tax. Am I missing something? Won't this benefit everyone, especially people who are out of work and won't be affected by an income tax hike?

I'm ready to Move out of TAXACHUSETTES, it has become so expensive to live here. between property taxes, Insurance rates, the high cost of living, paying for the Boston Harbor sewer clean-up in my water bill, I just can't afford to live here anymore. The govenor needs to understand we cannot be a mini Switzerland when The Federal government keeps us in a constant state of War and spends Billions of dollars uneccessarily.

My my my...look at all the outraged citizens who don't like paying more and more taxes! Where we're you people when it came time to vote last November? I seem to recall Scott Brown and Mitt Romney were talking about this very issue. Mitt was even specific as to the number of "takers" in this country (47%) but was pilloried for being direct and honest about it. Well, elections have consequences don't they? Especially when the entire flippin' country is one big mass of "low information voters".
Any body surprised at Deval's new push on more taxes and more spending? I'm not.

Let's keep extending the unemplyment benefits too...I know of at least two people that make the same money they made while they were working, so their attitude is why should I look for work when I'm getting paid the same amount from unemplyment...and we wonder why this country is going to hell...

Believe it not, I'm not opposed to a higher sales tax. We have family members who live out of state. Their sales tax is huge! Those who have more discretionary income buy more, and in turn, pay more. Usually for higher priced goods.

It IS expensive to live here but the alternative is inferior services. Try living in a state with low taxes and see how little support there is for education, mental health, the elderly, and the infrastructure. Then the cost is borne by family members and the downward cycle of poverty, no education, poor health begins. We all pay for that. This is not to say there are not places to cut in our budget...there are. But a 1percent increase is not bad.

I don't know that what the govenor is proposing will raise that much in revenue. What he's doing is moving some of the burden from the poor to the wealthier segments of society. Personally I think we should leave things the way they are. I can tell you right now how to lower the costs for everything: get rid of the prevailing wage rules. They are set way way too high. Every job or repair on roads, railways, what have you is done at the highest possible cost. It is bankrupting this state. That's what the real issue is. We would have budget surpluses were it not for this.

How come the Right to Work states are doing well... attracting people and employers, while the Northeast slowly collapses? Are people being forced to work in the Carolinas?

Reverend E. Raleigh Pimperton III

The governor knows (or, let's hope that he knows) that any promises he makes, such as "sales tax proceeds would be off limits for any other purpose" can be ignored now and in the future both by the legislature and the governor, including himself. Making such promises does not increase the credibility of his message.

"Investing in education" is another meaningless phrase universally used by politicians to raise taxes. There is no correlation between the amount of money spent and the quality of education received by the students. Our own AB High School is a good example. For decades, we heard at each Annual Town Meeting that we do not spend enough, that our per-pupil costs are much lower than the state average -- yet ABRHS has been one of the top schools in the Commonwealth.

The answer to the governor's proposal should be : Massachusetts taxpayers need lower taxes, they need to keep more of their money so that they can invest in their future.

Charlie Kadlec
Acton

welcome to taxachusettes if i didnt have young kids and a biz i would leave this state in a heartbeat.its amazing how our state continues to tax us to death and the ultra rich keep telling us how great the schools are!the middle class is getting smoked!cut out all the freeloaders ,welfare and govt hacks salaries and we would be ok.what if we cut some govt donations to all the third world holes that we keep donating too and take care of the U.S. for once!!!!!!!!!

Per the CLT
Our state per capita tax burden is 4th in the nation, per capita debt the highest, and still we can’t fund our transportation system? Do management much?

After forty years observing “transportation financing” plans, we know the drill. Neglect the one function of government that should be a priority, on the assumption that Big Business will always jump on board and taxpayers will give in to new revenues for an essential service. Then float a menu of tax, fee and/or toll increases and watch everyone debate these to choose the least objectionable. Then start over with neglect, squander the new revenue, and come back for more in another few years.

We taxpayers aren’t playing that game this time. No gas tax, income tax, sales tax rate increases. An $86 increase in license renewal fees? You’ve got to be kidding. The voters mandated a 5% income tax rate; you haven’t done it yet. Get back to us when you’ve shown them some respect.

First do the management reforms in the package. Include an independent audit of the Department of Transportation: show us where the money goes, show us the savings from the 2009 Patrick reorganization of transportation departments.

New Hampshire has no income and no sales tax; and it repealed its prevailing wage law twenty-eight years ago. We’ve never heard anyone complain about the Granite State’s roads and bridges. How do they manage so much better than we?

Get management/reform done first, then get back to us.

Thank you, Norman.

A comment has been deleted for violating our Terms of Service.

What a surprise, a Democrat taking more money immediately after the Federal Democrats started confiscating more from our pockets (seen your paycheck recently?). Nobody with any experience living in Massachusetts can take this malarkey seriously. You are severely misguided if you think an income tax increase will go directly to transportation funding. You know and I know this money will just get dumped into general revenue, feeding all the bloated, inefficient government programs as payback to the unions and liberal-politically connected friends. Patrick’s bad idea violates the “user pays” principle of sound tax policy. Car and truck drivers pay a fuel tax to cover the road wear and tear they cause. Sure we need to build, maintain the roads and improve public transportation. So charge those who use it. Why take money from someone who doesn’t even own a car? Also let’s see these projects defined, debated and prioritized first, then ask for the money. But not in Taxachusetts – where politicians just take the money first because they think it’s theirs, not ours, then pretend we’re getting valuable services. No wonder the once great Massachusetts job-producing high-tech, manufacturing and financial firms are leaving as fast as they can.

A billion here and a billion there and pretty soon you are talking about real money...

Steven,

Never did any of those things... plus, I never have to ask myself, "What if my Mother knew I turned out this way?"

Reverend E. Raleigh Pimperton III

The Devil (Deval) Is In The Details You Know Nothing About ! Soon Mass. Will Have The Highest Taxes On EVERYTHING Than ANYWHERE Else ! And Transportation Is Only The Tip Of The Patrick Iceberg ! And, yet, everyone is still smiling...
"...an array of potential tax hike options, such as an increase in the gas tax, a 0.16 percent payroll tax, boosting the state sales tax to 7.75-percent—or increasing the income tax to roughly 5.66-percent—a new green fee on vehicle registrations, a vehicle miles traveled tax, regular and modest fare, fee and toll increases..."

http://bostinno.com/2013/01/14/governor-patrick-massdot-way-forward-transportation-plan/

If the ridiculously high (20%) state Income tax increase is implemented for middle class families making more than 100k the state should be renamed Taxxachussets.

Charlie
Aren't income taxes determined by your address of residence, not where you work?
State payroll taxes are taken out of your paycheck, but income taxes are a function of your residence, are they not? I could be wrong on that, but the reason why people choose to live in one state or another is the tax rate that state charges their residents.
Please correct me if I'm wrong. I'm not a tax guy. Also, is there an official income definition of what constitutes "middle class"? Obama thinks incomes of $250,000 makes you a member of "the rich".

Thanks siobhan-
Your answer makes sense.

NH real estate taxes are structured differently that MA. Real estate taxes in NH do not stay local to individual towns and cities. I don't know how they are set but it seems to me to look like a formula based on income levels and RE values. NH does not have an income tax or sales tax but they do have higher fees and more of them.

See? See why I'm not a tax guy? Jeez, taxes can get pretty complicated. That's why they need to be simplified...but I'm not gonna be holding my breath.

I agree - flat tax is making more sense than ever.

Siobhan, Property taxes in NH are determined by the local community based on property value. the residents also pay a count tax, school tax, and tax for municipal services. I really should confirm if these taxes are the current law. Yes, if someone works in MA they pay MA state tax on monies earned in MA? For some, the combination of NH & MA taxes are worth working out of state. I really don't mind paying taxes here. Our trash & recycled goods are picked up, don't have to do a dump run, our street is well plowed, sewer, roads... Police & fire, great response time to emergency situations by well trained, compassionate staff.

Ok, so my flying fingers aren't working very well this AM. I meant county tax and didn't intend to add a ? After ...monies earned in MA.

Deval, if you had any brains, you'd raise the MBTA fare on THOSE WHO USE THE F&C(ING MBTA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I refuse to hand my tax dollars to you. Can't wait to move my family out of this sh**hole state..

Agreed

Hey Mrs. Elizabeth Warren, Deval Patrick is "hammering" the middle class.. what now?

Please notice Patricks phraseology: "invest in the future". First the word "invest". It sort of sounds like a person socking money away for a rainy day huh? That is always a good strategy. Sound money management, judicious use of your hard earned money, right? One "invests" their money for a reward later on, like retirement or for a college fund. Thing is, it isn't that at all. It's another word in the Democrat lexicon that has been poll tested as a better word for "spend". Another word:"the future". Why...I loves me the future! Use of that word means that I HAVE one, so yes, by all means, let's use THAT word a lot. So putting those two bright happy sounding words together, it will fool a LOT of people into thinking positive, happy thoughts and supporting whom ever said them. It doesnt matter what they actually mean. Lets support the political party that makes me feel good about my self !..regardless of the long term consequences! (notice how many times the feel good word "journey" was used in the innauguration speech by Obama and by Chief of Staff Plough?)
Dummies! The best way I know to have a brighter future is to NOT leave unpayable debts for my children and their children to pay off, and millions of able bodied Americans dependent on the government teat!