Policy Position #2: Restoring Prosperity Through Tax Relief in Massachusetts

Introduction

Massachusetts residents, including the First Bristol Plymouth District, are facing an unsustainable burden from relentless tax increases under Governor Maura Healey's administration. These policies, supported by key legislators like Senator Michael Rodrigues, Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, have pushed families and small businesses to the breaking point. As a conservative Republican, I believe that over-taxation stifles economic growth, undermines family stability, and restricts individual freedom. It is time to prioritize tax relief, fiscal discipline, and policies that empower residents to prosper, support their families, and thrive in our communities. It is time to replace a Senator who does the bidding of Maura Healey, with a Senator who fights for lower taxes and economic freedom for the people.

The Problem: Excessive Taxation Hurts Families and Businesses

For years, Massachusetts residents have endured a barrage of tax hikes that drain household budgets and hinder economic opportunity. Governor Healey's administration has consistently pursued policies that increase the tax burden, from income surtaxes to fees disguised as revenue measures. These policies have disproportionately harmed working families, seniors on fixed incomes, and small businesses struggling to recover from economic challenges.

In the First Bristol Plymouth District, residents are feeling the squeeze. Rising costs for essentials like housing, groceries, and healthcare are compounded by higher taxes, leaving families with less disposable income to save, invest, or spend locally. Small businesses, the backbone of our communities, face increased operational costs due to tax policies that discourage growth and innovation.

Senator Rodrigues, despite his claims of "delivering for the district," has failed to leverage his influential position to oppose these tax increases, instead aligning with the administration's agenda. This lack of resistance has left constituents without a strong advocate for fiscal restraint.

The consequences are clear:

• Families are struggling: Higher taxes reduce take-home pay, making it harder to afford childcare, education, or retirement savings.
• Seniors are squeezed: Fixed-income households face rising property taxes and fees, threatening their ability to remain in their homes.
• Businesses are stifled: Excessive taxation and regulatory costs deter job creation and force small businesses to cut back or close.
• Economic growth is hampered: High taxes drive residents and businesses to lower-tax states, eroding Massachusetts' economic competitiveness.

Policy Position: Tax Relief for Prosperity

As a conservative Republican, I advocate for a bold, principled approach to reverse the tide of over-taxation and restore prosperity to Massachusetts residents. My policy priorities include:

1. Immediate Tax Relief for Families and Individuals

• Reduce the State Income Tax Rate: Lower the personal income tax rate from its current 5% to 4.5% over two years, returning approximately $1 billion annually to taxpayers. This reduction will increase take-home pay, allowing families to invest in their priorities, from education to healthcare to homeownership.
• Repeal the Millionaires' Tax: The 4% surtax on incomes over $1 million, approved in 2022, has driven high-earning residents and businesses out of state while generating less revenue than projected. Repealing this tax will make Massachusetts more competitive and encourage economic growth.
• Expand Tax Credits for Families: Increase the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and introduce a new Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit to support working parents and caregivers. These targeted credits will provide direct relief to low- and middle-income households without expanding government bureaucracy.

2. Property Tax Relief for Homeowners and Seniors

• Cap Property Tax Increases: Implement a 2% annual cap on property tax increases to protect homeowners, particularly seniors on fixed incomes, from skyrocketing assessments. This cap will ensure predictability and affordability for residents in the First Bristol Plymouth District.
• Enhance Senior Property Tax Exemptions: Expand eligibility for the Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit and increase the maximum credit to $2,500, helping older residents stay in their homes and communities.
• Streamline Local Tax Relief Programs: Work with municipalities to simplify and promote local property tax deferral programs for seniors and low-income homeowners, ensuring they can remain in their homes without financial strain.

3. Support for Small Businesses

• Lower the Corporate Tax Rate: Reduce the corporate income tax rate from 8% to 6.5% to make Massachusetts more attractive for small businesses and startups. This reduction will encourage job creation and local investment, particularly in the First Bristol Plymouth District.
• Eliminate Burdensome Fees: Conduct a comprehensive review of state fees and eliminate those that disproportionately impact small businesses, such as excessive licensing and regulatory compliance costs.
• Incentivize Job Growth: Introduce a Small Business Job Creation Tax Credit, offering $2,000 per new full-time employee hired by businesses with fewer than 50 employees, fostering local employment and economic vitality.

4. Fiscal Responsibility and Government Efficiency

• Freeze New Tax Proposals: Impose a moratorium on new taxes and fees until a thorough audit of state spending is conducted. Taxpayers deserve transparency and accountability before any new revenue measures are considered.
• Streamline State Spending: Conduct a zero-based budgeting review to eliminate wasteful programs and redirect savings to tax relief. Massachusetts must prioritize essential services like education, public safety, and infrastructure without relying on tax hikes.
• Reform the Budget Process: As a conservative leader, I will push for greater transparency in the Ways and Means Committee, ensuring that tax policies are debated openly and reflect the needs of constituents, not just the priorities of the administration.

5. Empowering Local Communities

• Increase Local Aid Without Strings: Boost unrestricted local aid to municipalities in the First Bristol Plymouth District, allowing towns to address local needs without raising property taxes. This aid will support schools, public safety, and infrastructure improvements.
• Encourage Regional Cooperation: Promote regionalization of services like fire, police, and schools to reduce costs and improve efficiency, ensuring that tax dollars are used effectively.

Why This Matters for the First Bristol Plymouth District

The First Bristol Plymouth District is home to hardworking families, small businesses, and seniors who deserve a government that respects their financial struggles. Senator Rodrigues' failure to challenge Governor Healey's tax increases has left our district vulnerable to policies that prioritize state revenue over constituent well-being. My commitment is to fight for tax relief that puts money back in the pockets of residents.