BOSTON- Westfield State Representative John Velis crossed party lines on Monday to vote with the Republican Members of the House on two tax reform amendments. The amendments were part of the annual budget debates that take place before the House releases their final draft of the budget to the Senate. During his three years as a Representative, Velis has broken party ranks several times and voted with his Republican colleagues on issues such as taxes, business regulations, and firearms.
The first amendment, introduced by Representative Geoff Diehl, aimed to establish an annual week-long meals tax holiday during the month of March in the Commonwealth, during which customers wouldn’t be charged the extra 6.25% on meals they purchase. Representative Velis, agreeing with Rep Diehl’s amendment, said after the vote, “Taxpayers in Massachusetts deserve a meals tax holiday. Not only would it help to stimulate the local restaurant business, but the average person would get a break, as well, on a meal they might not otherwise be able to afford.”
Amendment 815, also introduced by Rep Diehl, was meant to roll back the sales tax to its pre-recession level of 5%. Since 2009, the sales tax rate has been 6.25% to help the Commonwealth bring in more revenue after the Great Recession. With the worst of the economic recession behind us, Rep Velis agreed it was time to restore the lower rate.
“I run into countless folks in Westfield at the gas station, the grocery store, etc… who talk to me about the high level of taxes. I heard my constituents loud and clear, and that’s why I voted to lower the sales tax,” said Velis on Monday. “When we have the opportunity to cut taxes, we need to take it. Middle-class families are still struggling to make ends meet, and the sales tax cut could have helped them, plain and simple.”
In both cases, Velis was one of only 4 Democrats to vote with the Republicans. “I believe strongly in bipartisanship and voting on issues based how they will affect my constituents. It doesn’t matter which party someone belongs to if they have a good idea that will benefit my constituents.” Unfortunately, both amendments failed during the House roll call vote.
Velis continued, “Party politics aren’t an effective form of government, in my view. Given the state of politics today, it’s clear that elected officials need to return to the basics- representing their constituents, not their party.”
