Jay Gonzalez on Tax Reform | |
Gonzalez said only 19,000 families would be affected by the millionaire's tax, and he argues they would pay a little bit more so the state as a whole would have enough revenue to make badly needed investments in its future.
Gonzalez said Baker has repeatedly shown a reluctance to take a stand on issues until he absolutely has to. "People deserve to know where the governor stands on one of the most consequential public policy issues in the state," he said of the millionaire's tax.
A: This is something I think we desperately need. Our governor has said no new taxes. He's taken no position on this ballot question. This is another example of him sitting on the sidelines and not taking a position.
We've got to be honest about the fact that we need additional revenue for our transportation system, the T, for education, for things like what I just talked about in terms of early education and care, which will make a huge difference for families in this state.
I'm being honest with people, we need that revenue. I think this is a fair way to raise it, which is why I support it. We're asking those who've done great during this economic recovery to pay a little bit more so that we can invest in supporting those families who've been having a hard time getting ahead.
He said he supports the constitutional amendment expected to appear on the 2018 ballot that would apply a tax surcharge on incomes greater than $1 million. "I think we need to be honest with people about what it takes to invest in the bold solutions we need to help people get ahead," said Gonzalez.
Gonzalez said he would use the proceeds from a surcharge to ensure universal access to pre-kindergarten.