ATHOL — Municipal officials from around northern Worcester and Franklin counties gathered at Athol Public Library Friday morning to be briefed on the legislative priorities of the Massachusetts Municipal Association during the current session of the state House and Senate. Topics ranged from solid waste and recycling to retirement and pension issues, and from state funding for education and local road projects to the Open Meeting Law and marijuana issues.
State Rep. Susannah Whipps (I-Athol) updated attendees on several initiatives, including a re-working of the so-called Fair Share Amendment – also known as the Millionaire’s Tax. The proposal calls for amending the State Constitution by creating an additional tax of four percent on that portion of an individual’s income above $1 million. The original wording of the amendment, which supporters had hoped to place before voters in the November 2018 election, was declared unconstitutional by Massachusetts’ Supreme Judicial Court.
“I believe they expect the revenue from that to be between $1.5 and $2 billion annually coming into the coffers,” said Whipps. “That’s something that would be greatly beneficial for everyone. There will be a hearing on that on April 11 in the Gardner Auditorium (at the State House).”
“To clarify,” said the representative, “the Massachusetts Constitution says everybody must be taxed at the same level. I think the biggest problem with the language was they wanted to dedicate the money raised to schools and to the infrastructure, but the Constitution doesn’t allow that, either. So, I think we learned our lesson.”
The Independent lawmaker went on to explain that polls conducted last year indicated some 80 percent of the electorate supported the new tax if it was in fact dedicated to schools and infrastructure. “But I don’t think we can set aside money to do that, according to the Constitution. So, there’s work that has to be done. We need to work on the language,” said Whipps.
Whipps also responded to a question regarding inequities in the distribution of what is known as the Foundation Budget to public school districts across the state. The questioner said the formula used for distribution needs to ensure funds are distributed equitably.
“We definitely need to – in the Legislature – look at formulas,” said Whipps. “Do the kids in Wellesley need an extra $20 per student or would it better benefit somebody in Orange. How can we be more equitable? I have nothing against the students in Wellesley, but they’re going to make their tax rate. Concord; they’re going to make their numbers. But some of us need a little bit more.”
Whipps added she believes municipalities that have large tracts of state-owned land within their borders aren’t being adequately compensated.
“We need to look at the PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) numbers,” she said. “We’re not really compensated for the work we do as stewards to protect these beautiful green spaces for everybody to come and enjoy. So, we really need to look at the PILOT numbers. Are our towns really getting their fair share for having 20, 30, 40 percent of their property being state land and therefore not taxable?”
Whipps also touched on the effect of federal budget cuts on the state budget.
“For example, when the federal government cuts money for Planned Parenthood,” Whipps said, “in a state like ours where healthcare is very important, we’re going to vote to maintain that; and that’s money that’s taken from the state budget. Unfortunately, it’s less money that goes to our municipalities, that goes to our schools, that goes to our infrastructure, and sometimes that has an effect on our property tax rates or may prevent municipalities from doing some things.”
“But I’m encouraged,” she continued. “Unemployment is low in Massachusetts and we’ve had quite a bit of growth and we’re doing everything we can to take care of everybody in the Commonwealth.”