A proposed Massachusetts ballot initiative to cut the state’s income tax rate by 20% faced skeptical lawmakers Monday, who questioned whether lowering taxes would actually keep the state competitive and alleviate the high cost of living.
State lawmakers on the Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions heard nearly four hours of testimony on whether to recommend the initiative for November’s ballot. Democrats who control the panel made no decisions during the hearing, but they registered concerns about the revenue loss the state would incur.
They also argued that the cost of housing, quality health care, and good education—not lower income ...