Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey recently told business leaders that she doesn’t support raising taxes — despite announcing a proposal earlier this year that would raise taxes in at least some places in the state.
While giving a speech to the New England Council at the Boston Harbor Hotel on Tuesday, Healey said, “I can assure you that we have no plans to propose new taxes or raise existing ones,” according to State House News Service.
“Instead, we’re focused on managing our spending carefully. It’s what we have to do,” she added.
“The only impressive aspect of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s tenure has been their ability to spin a narrative,” Carnevale said in a press release from the Massachusetts Republican Party. “They’re championing tax increases on the municipal level. Whether tax increases are on the state level or the municipal level, Massachusetts residents will pay more, and it is the Healey-Driscoll Administration that is advocating for it.”
“Massachusetts residents are struggling with affordability,” Carnevale added. “The last thing residents need are increased taxes and penalties for investing in their home for decades. The Governor has no right to tell residents that she’s not raising taxes.”
In January 2024, Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll recently announced a tax hike plan they call the Municipal Empowerment Act.
Increasing the maximum local option lodging tax on hotel, motel and other rentals from 6 percent to 7 percent of the price of a room (6.5 percent to 7.5 percent for Boston)
Increasing the maximum local option meals tax from .75 percent to 1 percent of the sales price of a meal at a restaurant or local store
Adding a new 5 percent local option Motor Vehicle Excise surcharge, a fee charged by every city and town on vehicles registered in their communities based on the vehicle’s value
Healey’s office estimates that this package could result in up to $155 million per year in increased tax revenue.
Paul Craney, a spokesman for the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance, expressed skepticism that Healey is against raising taxes.
He cited the Municipal Empowerment Act, as well as the Fair Share Amendment that Healey backed in 2022, which raised the state income tax on income exceeding $1 million per year from 5 percent to 9 percent.
“After supporting an 80% income tax hike on certain individuals and allowing the option for our municipalities to increase taxes on our cars and homes, Governor Healey reverses course and opposes tax hikes,” Craney told NewBostonPost in an email message. “After her ‘taxation blitz,’ it’s hard to believe her newfound opposition to tax hikes is believable.”
Healey’s office could not be reached for comment on Wednesday or Thursday.
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