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To the Editor:
We need to improve our transportation systems here in Massachusetts. Our daily commutes are often frustrating and stressful whether we drive or use public transit.
The House of Representatives is considering a transportation bill. A key question is how best to pay for needed improvements.
Many of our businesses and some legislators are pushing for funding from a set of user fees, including a 15 cent per gallon increase in the gas tax, which are all regressive taxes that primarily put the burden on low and middle-income taxpayers.
Noticeably absent is a contribution from the business community, even though they want transportation improvements and they and their employees would benefit significantly from them.
MA businesses are not paying their fair share. Seventy-three percent (73%) of corporations pay a minimum tax of only $456. Based on multiple measures, MA businesses pay substantially less in taxes, between $900 million and $2.9 billion less, than the national average.
It is time for our businesses to step up and pay their fair share.
If you share my concern, please contact your state representative and urge him or her to ask businesses to pay their fair share to fund transportation improvements.
Sincerely,
John A. Lippitt
Mineral Street
