Taxes

During the 2001-2002 economic downturn, the Massachusetts’ state legislature imposed dramatic cuts to a wide range of social service programs, including those directed toward persons living with disabilities. In many cases, despite an improved economic outlook, funding for these important programs has still not returned to it’s pre-2002 level.

Although we have achieved some notable successes in the effort to restore funding for disability services, these gains would be lost if the legislature were to implement tax cuts. United Housing opposes tax rollbacks that would mandate dramatic reductions in service dollars for persons at extremely low income levels.

United Housing Objects to Proposed Tax Rollbacks

June 9, 2006 - During the FY 07 Budget debate, the Senate passed legislation that would roll back the Massachusetts state income tax rate to 5%. By all accounts, this would result in a reduction in revenue for the state to the tune of several hundred million dollars annually. United Housing sent the letter below, advising that at a time when funding for human services has still not been restored to the pre-2002 cut levels, such legislation that would hinder the efforts to help those most in need is unwise. Read the text of the letter →

House to Consider Legislation that Would Dramatically Reduce State Revenue

August 1, 2005 - Speaker DiMasi has indicated that the House will take up legislation passed by the Senate that would reduce the Massachusetts state income tax from 5.3% to 5% over a three year period. When implemented, this would result in over $500 million per year in lost revenue for the Commonwealth. At a time when budgets are extremely tight, such financial constraints could have a chilling effect on attempts to increase affordable and accessible housing opportunities for persons with disabilities. Click below for United Housing's letter to the members of the House of Representatives, urging them to oppose this revenue-reducing proposal, or an analysis of the proposed legislation by the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center.