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Memo to Governor Healey on Ways to Ensure Effective Implementation of the Fair Share Amendment
As Massachusetts voters have amended the state constitution to include a 4 percent surtax on taxable income over $1 million, MassBudget would like to offer policy suggestions to assist the Commonwealth in protecting this revenue and ensuring that it is directed to education and transportation, as specified in the amendment.
Massachusetts Capital Budget 101
The capital budgeting process takes place largely out of the public eye but is responsible for building and maintaining critical state infrastructure. Learn more about it here.
“Excess” as Mirage: How the 62F Tax Cap Distorts Our View of Massachusetts Tax Revenue
The 1986 tax cap law, also known as “62F,” artificially limits the amount of tax revenue available to address priorities like affordable, quality childcare, safer public transportation, and affordable housing. Moreover, there are flaws in the 62F law and its underlying formula. 62F tells a story about revenue in Massachusetts, but it is misleading.
ALL BUDGET RESOURCES REPORTS
Bringing in the Relief Part II: The Census Counts for Equity
More than $3.3 billion in CARES Act funding comes to our Massachusetts communities based on population estimates from the census. Learn how the Commonwealth can get its fair share of power and money through a complete, accurate 2020 Census count in our latest report.
Municipal Budgets, Local Aid, and Property Taxes Amid COVID-19
As a result of the pandemic, municipalities face increased spending needs and declining revenues. Many have the ability to raise property taxes, though others are constrained by Proposition 2 1/2. Moreover, property taxes tend to fall hardest on those with lower incomes. Without sufficient municipal aid, cities and towns may be forced to make public cuts which would slow the economic recovery.
The Anti-Stimulus: Budget Cuts are Worse for the Economy than Tax Increases During Recessions
Anyone concerned about Massachusetts’ economic recovery should be worried about state and municipal budget cuts. This is not the time for austerity. Avoiding budget cuts through targeted tax increases is the best way to build a strong recovery in Massachusetts. Learn more in the latest on our Blogs & Briefs publication.
The CARES Act: Costly Tax Cuts for High-Income Filers
What were the tax breaks provided to the wealthy and businesses in the CARES Act? What is the cost of these tax breaks? Learn how these tax breaks could impact the Commonwealth's recovery from COVID-19.
7 questions you have on the state budget and COVID-19, but were afraid to ask
How has the crisis affected the state budget and what does this mean? MassBudget has compiled the answers to some commonly asked questions and we want to hear from you. Read the latest and share your thoughts!
How will the Federal Reserve’s new loan program for states affect Massachusetts?
What is the Municipal Liquidity Facility? How does it work? How does it help Massachusetts? Learn more about how the Federal Reserve’s new loan program for states affects the Commonwealth.
How is COVID-19 affecting the state budget?
Learn about how the pandemic is impacting the state budget process, essential programs, and how the Commonwealth can prepare for the road to recovery amid COVID-19.
Blog: 7 questions you have on the state budget and COVID-19, but were afraid to ask
How has the crisis affected the state budget and what does this mean? MassBudget has compiled the answers to some commonly asked questions and we want to hear from you. Read the latest and share your thoughts!
COVID-19 Updates: State Budget & the Pandemic
Learn about the pandemic’s impact on the state budget process, essential programs, and how we can prepare for the road to recovery with our Policy …
That’s A Relief Part II: Federal Fiscal Relief for Community Development in the CARES Act
Read That’s A Relief Part I: Federal Fiscal Relief to Massachusetts in Recently-Passed Legislation here. The federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act,” or …
That’s A Relief Part I: Federal Fiscal Relief to Massachusetts in Recently-Passed Legislation
Learn what federal relief though the CARES Act, the Coronavirus Relief Fund, and other recently passed legislation means for the Commonwealth during the public health crisis.
Responding to the COVID-19 Crisis: Filling Gaps in Federal Cash Support for Individuals and Families
Congress enacted billions of dollars in new direct cash assistance to individuals and families during the crisis, but there’s still work to be done to ensure people are not left behind. Learn what state-level solutions are available to fill the gaps.
Amid plummeting state tax collections, the Commonwealth has options
It’s a sudden economic freefall like no other. By some estimates, Massachusetts will have 473,000 COVID-induced job layoffs and furloughs by summer. Most people with jobs won’t make or spend as much in the months ahead.
It’s Raining: An FAQ on Using Our State Savings Account to Respond to the COVID-19 Crisis
What is the Rainy Day Fund? The Stabilization Fund — often referred to as the “Rainy Day Fund”– is a cushion for times when state …
