Good Morning Westfield! I hope everyone is enjoying their Saturday. It’s been quite a busy week, so let’s get to it.
Monday I had the pleasure of hosting a Community Conversation event at the Westfield Senior Center. We were joined by Representative Denise Garlick, Chair of the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs. Representative Garlick gave an informative presentation on the distribution of resources available to older adults in our state. We followed her presentation with an open discussion, listening to the opinions, suggestions, questions, and concerns of those in the audience. It was a great opportunity to hear from some of you!
On Wednesday, as many of you have heard, we took up the discussion of amending our state’s constitution to increase taxes for those who earn over $1 million. The legislature voted 135 to 57 to pass this amendment. Although the amendment passed on Wednesday, the discussion does not end here. The amendment must pass with at least 50 votes again next year and, if it does, it would appear as a ballot question in 2018. I voted against the amendment and I would like to take some time to explain my reasoning.
To begin, I have heard from many constituents that the effects of the 2008 recession are still being felt. I think that this increased tax would hinder economic recovery rather than help it. A tax such as this one has the potential to drive the most industrious citizens out of our Commonwealth. This is troubling for a number of reasons, not the least of which being the potential fall out in our job market. If these wealthy and industrious citizens leave the state of Massachusetts for a state with a lower tax rate they will take their companies and the jobs they provide with them. This will negatively impact a large number of Massachusetts citizens across all classes.
Further, many have voiced the sentiment that today we are discussing taxing $1 million at a higher rate but tomorrow it may be $750,000, then $500,000, and on. Many are concerned that this amendment could open the door for more changes to our system of taxation in the future.
I would also like to mention the case made by my good friend, Representative David Nangle, Chair of the House Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling. Rep. Nangle gave an impassioned speech encouraging the legislature to vote against this amendment and I am convinced he changed some minds. One of the points he made is that we should not be shirking our responsibility on to the voters.
As I mentioned, the amendment did pass in the legislature this year. If it passes again next year it will appear on the 2018 ballot where it must pass by a majority.
Now, before I wrap this up for the week, I want to take a minute to mention an upcoming opportunity here in Westfield. Habitat for Humanity’s home repair program, “A Brush With Kindness,” will be coming to Westfield this summer. Rather than building completely new homes, this particular program works with families who need some work done on their home but may not be able to do it themselves for any number of reasons. I know there are many service men and women who have given so much and could use the help of this program. Therefore, we’d love to focus on our Veteran’s with this summer’s initiative. If you or someone you know may be interested in this program, please reach out!
That’s all for this week Westfield! As always, please feel free to contact me with your questions, issues, and concerns at [email protected] or at my new district office phone number at 413-572-3920.
