Register of Probate Tara
DeCristofaro
Register of
Probate's new website www.middlesexprobate.com has gone live on January 1, 2013.
Register
DeCristofaro says, “This website will provide anyone who needs to come to our
Court, whether they are in the midst of a divorce or custody dispute or they are
dealing with administering the estate of a loved one or they simply want to
legally change their name, a place to gather as much information as is available
to prepare them for the experience.”
This site provides
everything from court calendars to tips on how to dress for court. All court
promulgated forms may be accessed so that a litigant or attorney may fill them
out and print them
for submission to the court, including all the forms
required under the new Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code (MUPC). Additionally,
a user can link to the public site of MassCourts, to search the dockets of
estate cases.
Register
DeCristofaro hopes that individuals will use this site to familiarize themselves
with the court
documents and requirement and what is expected of them when
they come to court so their experience is less confusing and
intimidating.
There is also a
feature available that allows individuals to email the Register with any issues
they encountered with the Registry process.
“This site, www.middlesexprobate.com, is as
straightforward as you can get when it
comes to the complicated nature of probate and family court cases,” says
Register DeCristofaro, “ I hope that everyone takes the opportunity to visit
this site before they come to the Court.”
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GOVERNOR PATRICK HIGHLIGHTS
NEED FOR TRANSPORTATION, EDUCATION INVESTMENTS TO GROW ECONOMY IN CENTRAL
MASSACHUSETTS & BEYOND
WORCESTER - Friday, January 18, 2013 – Building on his call for renewed
investments in transportation and education in Wednesday’s State of the
Commonwealth Address, Governor Deval Patrick today visited Worcester to
highlight the importance of these investments to building a 21st
century education system and transportation network in Central Massachusetts and
throughout the state.
The Governor’s plan includes a $1 billion annual investment in the
Commonwealth’s transportation system to maintain the current transportation
assets we have today and launch a number of high-impact transportation projects
across Massachusetts that, if built, will create thousands of jobs and spur
economic development across the Commonwealth. The plan also includes a $550
million investment in education, reaching $1 billion over four years, to expand
access to high quality educational opportunities and make higher education more
affordable for all students in Massachusetts.
“Opportunity is too important to leave to chance, but opportunity requires
growth and growth requires investment. Whether it’s upgrades to Union Station,
advanced manufacturing programs at Mt. Wachusett Community College or the new
Life Sciences Center at UMass, the investments we make in Central Massachusetts
are putting people back to work and expanding economic opportunity,” said
Governor Patrick. “Working with our partners in the legislature, business
community and cities and towns, we will build on these investments and create a
stronger Commonwealth for this generation, and the next.”
“Governor Patrick has outlined a vision for this region and the entire
Commonwealth,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. “In Worcester and
surrounding communities, we have seen investments pay off over the last several
years thanks to a strong and effective partnership with the private sector and
local, state and federal government. We need to build on this success and set
the Commonwealth on a path towards growth to benefit this generation and
generations to come.”
In Central Massachusetts, the Governor’s plan would allow for an $11.1
million increase in funding for the Worcester Regional Transit Authority in
FY14. Additionally, the Administration could commit funding to make
improvements at the interchange of I-495 and I-90, and I-495 and Route 9,
targeted reconstruction of Routes 9 and 20, reconstruction of Quinsigamond
Avenue in Worcester and much-needed roadway resurfacing on Route 119 in Groton
and Littleton.
MassDOT Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey said in years past, transportation
investment had been concentrated in the Boston area; but under this plan, that
changes.
“The bulk of our 21st-Century Transportation Plan is focused on maintaining
our current roads, rails and bridges,” said Secretary Davey. “At the same time,
we must continue to pursue investments that will result in real economic growth
Commonwealth-wide. Our plan is ambitious but equitable, and will create a
better, faster, safer transportation system today and in the future.”
The Governor’s plan would also provide access to high quality early education
for the nearly 2,700 children in Central MA on the Department of Early Education
and Care’s (EEC) waitlist; allow additional resources for high-need schools in
Worcester, Fitchburg and the surrounding communities to extend learning time for
students; make higher education more affordable for tens of thousands of
students attending colleges and universities in Central MA; and allow our
community colleges like Quinsigamond and Mount Wachusett to expand successful
programs that are preparing students for success in the workplace.
“We have the tools in place to help all of our students achieve at high
levels,” said Education Secretary Matt Malone. “These investments will fuel our
continued efforts to build a 21st century public education system in
Massachusetts that prepares all students to compete and succeed in the global
marketplace.”
“This year as in years past we will be facing fiscal challenges and will have
to make tough decisions,” said Senator Stephen M. Brewer. “Moving forward we
must all continue to work together to identify the best investments and the best
plans for the future of Massachusetts.”
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FOLLOWING STATE OF THE
COMMONWEALTH, GOVERNOR PATRICK MEETS WITH LEGISLATIVE LEADERS, TOURS INVESTMENT
PROJECTS
Governor makes case for investing in education and transportation to create
opportunity and growth in every region of the Commonwealth
BOSTON – Friday, January 18, 2013 – Following Wednesday’s State of the
Commonwealth address in which he put forward a vision to expand opportunity and
growth in the Commonwealth, Governor Deval Patrick this week traveled to
different communities to meet with legislative, business and community leaders
and tour infrastructure projects that, thanks to state investments, are creating
jobs and unlocking economic development throughout Massachusetts. The Governor
has launched a serious, fact-based debate about creating a more fair,
comprehensive tax system to generate the revenue the Commonwealth needs to build
21st-Century education and transportation networks that will benefit this
generation and the ones that follow.
“Opportunity is too important to leave to chance, but opportunity requires
growth and growth requires investment,” said Governor Patrick in his address at
the Massachusetts State House Wednesday night. “In every corner of the
Commonwealth, investments we have made are paying off by putting people back to
work and expanding economic opportunity. Working with our partners in the
legislature, business community and cities and towns, we can build on these and
create a stronger Commonwealth for this generation, and the next.”
This morning, Governor Patrick will meet with Senate Ways and Means Chair
Stephen Brewer in his district. Following a cabinet meeting at Union Station in
Worcester, he will join legislators, business and community leaders to outline
how increased transportation and education investments will benefit Central
Massachusetts.
“This year as in years past we will be facing fiscal challenges and will have
to make tough decisions. Moving forward we must all continue to work together
to identify the best investments and the best plans for the future of
Massachusetts,” said Senator Stephen M. Brewer.
On Thursday, the Governor traveled to Haverhill, Lynn and Burlington.
In Haverhill, Governor Patrick joined House Ways and Means Chair Brian
Dempsey to reinforce the importance of public infrastructure investments that
leverage private development. They toured 500 units of housing private
developers have added to the city center since the Patrick-Murray Administration
and Legislature invested $1.8 million for the construction of a nearby parking
garage.
In Lynn, Governor Patrick joined Senator Thomas McGee, chairman of the Joint
Committee on Transportation, and local officials to showcase Diesel Multiple
Units (DMUs), an innovative passenger rail investment that would be introduced
through MassDOT’s 21st-Century transportation plan, The Way Forward: A 21st
Century Transportation Plan. DMUs are self-propelled units able to run on
existing passenger rail tracks, allowing more frequent, expanded service. DMU
service to Lynn would provide faster and more efficient public transportation to
North Shore residents.
In Burlington, Governor Patrick joined Senator Ken Donnelly, Representative
Ken Gordon, local officials and the Middlesex 3 Coalition, a group of business,
academic and government leaders from along the Route 3 North corridor to discuss
how the Commonwealth’s investments in education, innovation and infrastructure
are expanding job creation and economic development opportunities in this
specific region of the state.
“This area represents one of the most economically successful regions in the
Commonwealth,” said Senator Donnelly. “It provides jobs across the economic
spectrum, and a robust and reliable transportation system is critical to its
continued success. Working in partnership, regional businesses, state and local
officials and community stakeholders have been leaders in smart development that
strengthens our communities and invests in the human capital needed to continue
strong economic development. I applaud the Governor for all he's done to
support smart development in this region and his bold leadership in addressing
our infrastructure and transportation needs.”
“The Governor listened attentively to the needs of the Burlington business
community and he responded to its concerns,” said Representative Gordon. “The
members of the community told him how much they appreciated his willingness to
listen and to take their priorities, including increased public transportation,
into consideration.”
On Wednesday, Governor Patrick joined House Majority Leader Ronald Mariano
and other city leaders in Quincy to discuss the $1.6 billion Quincy Center
Redevelopment Project, set to begin construction next month and bring a total of
11,000 new, permanent jobs to the area. This project, and others like it across
the Commonwealth, was made possible by public and private investments, and will
expand the region’s economy for the long-term.
“I was thrilled to welcome Governor Patrick to the City of Quincy to tour the
downtown redevelopment construction that is underway,” said House Majority
Leader Mariano. “I share in Mayor Koch and the entire state delegation’s
gratitude to the Governor and his administration for their unwavering support
and vision for downtown, as we continue to fulfill our commitment to the future
success of the revitalized City of Quincy.”
The Governor has proposed a comprehensive, fair, dedicated and competitive
investment plan that will strengthen the state’s economic future by cutting the
sales tax from the current rate of 6.25 percent to 4.5 percent and raising the
income tax from 5.25 percent to 6.25 percent.
The Governor’s proposals will support important investments in our
infrastructure in order to pay the bills the Commonwealth inherited from the Big
Dig, maintain existing infrastructure, promote regional equity and make targeted
expansions to unlock long-term economic development and reinvest in the
Commonwealth’s education system by providing universal access to high quality
early education, fully funding K-12 education and allowing extended school days
in high-need schools; make college more affordable and accessible, and allow
community colleges to expand their efforts.
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PATRICK-MURRAY ADMINISTRATION
ANNOUNCES COMPREHENSIVE, NATION-LEADING ENERGY AUDITS FOR MASSACHUSETTS MILITARY
BASES
$1.5 million for energy efficiency, renewable energy and
enhanced energy security at six military bases statewide
BOURNE – Thursday, January 17, 2013 – Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray
today joined Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan at the
Massachusetts Military Reservation to announce $1.5 million in funding for a
first-in-the-nation initiative that will include comprehensive energy audits of
the state’s six military bases.
An initiative of the Patrick-Murray Administration's Military Asset and
Security Strategy Task Force, chaired by Lieutenant Governor Murray, the audits
will build on the Commonwealth's leadership in clean energy, further align
Massachusetts bases with the U.S. Department of Defense priorities and reduce
energy consumption and costs.
“This is an excellent step forward, both for our valued military bases and
for our energy goals in the Commonwealth,” said Governor Deval Patrick. “I
thank the Lieutenant Governor’s Task Force for their innovative work and look
forward to celebrating the results.”
“Moving forward on these energy audits is a key example of the work the Task
Force first set forth to complete,” said Lieutenant Governor Murray, Chair of
the Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force. “The defense industry and
our military bases rely heavily on energy, and it is critical that we develop
innovative opportunities to enhance energy efficiency and deliver cost-savings
for our bases.”
The Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force shares a goal with the
U.S. Department of Defense, the nation’s largest user of energy, to reduce
energy costs at all military installations. To do so in the Commonwealth, the
Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) will procure a contractor to
conduct a comprehensive review of each base, including assessing each base for
their energy use; establishing opportunities for renewable energy installations
on site; and exploring the possibility of microgrid integration. For more
information, review the full scope of work on DOER’s website, http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/doer/massachusetts-military-bases-clean-energy-background.pdf
Funding for this program comes from the 2011 Alternative Compliance Payments
(ACP) Spending Plan. ACPs are paid by electric retail suppliers if they have
insufficient Renewable Energy Certificates to meet their compliance obligations
under the Commonwealth’s Renewable Portfolio Standard. DOER establishes the plan
for the use of those funds to support clean energy development in
Massachusetts.
“The Patrick-Murray Administration has made energy efficiency and renewable
energy a priority in Massachusetts,” said Secretary Sullivan. “These audits will
allow us to move forward with innovative energy projects at our bases, some of
the largest energy users in the Commonwealth.”
"The National Association of State Energy Officials has conducted a six-month
review of various states' efforts to aid the military in finding cost-effective,
innovative solutions to modernizing energy infrastructure and making facilities
more energy efficient and sustainable," said David Terry, Executive Director of
NASEO. "While there are many fine examples, Massachusetts is poised to be the
national leader with its comprehensive approach to aiding bases in evaluating
their energy needs, identifying solutions, and facilitating implementation. It's
another great Massachusetts partnership program that will enhance local economic
development and at the same time support of the exceptional work of our nation's
military personnel."
The Commonwealth’s six military bases are the Massachusetts Military
Reservation on Cape Cod; Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee; Barnes Air
National Guard Base in Westfield; Natick Soldier Systems Center in Natick; Fort
Devens; and Hanscom Air Force Base.
In 2012, for the second consecutive year, Massachusetts was ranked the top
state in the nation for energy-efficiency policies and programs by the American
Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). This distinction recognizes
the Commonwealth’s ambitious energy agenda and accomplishments through the Green
Communities Act, the Green Jobs Act and the Global Warming Solutions Act, all
signed by Governor Patrick in 2008.
About the Military Asset and
Security Strategy Task Force
Governor Patrick and Lieutenant Governor Murray have committed to supporting
Massachusetts’ military bases. In February 2012, with the support of Governor
Patrick, Lieutenant Governor Murray signed Executive Order #541 creating the
Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force. As chair of the Task Force,
Lieutenant Governor Murray and Task Force members led meetings including tours,
roundtable discussions and committee meetings in support of the state’s six
military bases.
Over the last year, the Military Mission, Operations, Opportunities and
Efficiencies Subcommittee of the Task Force, led by MassDevelopment and the
National Guard, has joined base leadership to explore opportunities to achieve
upgrades and efficiencies, including energy efficiencies, on each base.
In 2012, Lieutenant Governor Murray tasked MassDevelopment to collaborate
with the UMass Donahue Institute and assess the economic benefits of
Massachusetts’ six military installations including. The report found that more
than 46,500 jobs directly and indirectly are related to our installations that
have an estimated economic impact of more than $14.2 billion to
Massachusetts.
To learn more about the Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force,
please visit: www.mass.gov/governor/militarytaskforce.
Supportive
Statements
“Energy efficiency is intricately linked to our Nation’s national security.
Massachusetts and, in particular, the Massachusetts Military Reservation in my
district, are already leaders on this front and are committed to further
developing their self-sufficiency,” said Congressman Bill Keating. “I applaud
Governor Patrick and Lieutenant Governor Murray’s initiative to help
Massachusetts Military Reservation and other bases throughout Massachusetts
identify additional opportunities for renewable energy and clean technology
integration. It will not only help our environment and surrounding communities,
but will also support the longevity of these installations, which in turn
contribute greatly to our local economies. I stand ready to assist the Governor
and Lieutenant Governor in moving this initiative forward and thank them for
their tireless efforts on behalf of our military families, communities, and
bases.”
“Massachusetts is once again leading the way with state-of-the-art clean
energy solutions, creating an opportunity for our military installations to
serve as national models for efficiency and productivity," said Congresswoman
Niki Tsongas. "I have worked with the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and their
team to take important steps to ensure Massachusetts’ bases have a strong and
bright future, and remain some of our military’s most innovative resources.”
“I strongly believe we must always be looking at innovative ways to save
money and increase our energy efficiency," said Congressman Jim McGovern.
"These new efforts, under the guidance of the Task Force chaired by Lieutenant
Governor Murray, will allow our military bases to become more efficient while
increasing their security---a winning combination for the Commonwealth and our
military. I commend the Patrick-Murray administrative for their innovative,
forward thinking leadership on this critical issue.
“This funding will allow us to take a close look at how we can reduce energy
costs at all of our military bases in Massachusetts,” said Senate President
Therese Murray. “The Massachusetts Military Reservation on Cape Cod has always
displayed a strong commitment to this effort by taking advantage of their
renewable energy options and other initiatives to reduce operational costs. The
information gathered from these audits will help our bases continue their
conservation efforts and promote energy efficiency in the Commonwealth.”
“These energy audits for military bases represent an exciting new innovation
for the Commonwealth," said Senator Marc Pacheco. "I am pleased that we will be
able to take a look at these bases and figure out ways to improve their energy
consumption."
"The Massachusetts National Guard is excited to be part of Lt. Gov. Murray's
team to develop and strengthen our state's military and civilian partnerships.
This initiative will greatly benefit the commonwealth and secure a responsible
future for all its military installations through the use of clean and cost
effective energy," said Major General L. Scott Rice, The Adjutant General,
Massachusetts National Guard. "It's a great opportunity to explore new missions
and build partnerships that will further our individual and collective agency
goals."
"Westover strives to be a good neighbor as we fulfill national security
objectives," said Colonel Steven Vautrain, 439th Airlift Wing Commander at
Westover Air Reserve Base. "Being as efficient as possible with our limited
resources makes good sense from both budgetary and mission-impact standpoints.
We look forward to continuing our positive relationship with the Commonwealth
and exploring ways to save taxpayer money through energy conservation."
"The joint nature with which the commands at the Massachusetts Military
Reservation on Cape Cod approach reducing energy consumption along with the
design, development and installation of renewable energy projects is providing
the Massachusetts Military Reservation with a diverse energy portfolio that will
lead the installation toward its goal of energy reliability, redundancy and most
importantly energy security," said Colonel Anthony Schiavi, Executive Director,
Massachusetts Military Reservation. "This Clean Energy Assessment will be an
important tool for us to use in advancing our programs to that end as well as
explore other areas in a rapidly growing area of technology."
“Camp Edwards fully supports and applauds the efforts of Lt. Governor Murray
and the entire Task Force for establishing the Clean Energy Project Team,” said
Colonel Richard Crivello, Commander of Camp Edwards Army National Guard Training
Site. "We enthusiastically look forward to working with the Project Team to
find new and innovative ways to reduce our energy consumption and carbon
footprint while continuing to provide modern necessary and compatible training
facilities for our deploying Massachusetts Army National Guard and Northeast
Region military units."
"The 104th Fighter Wing has a reputation of being an environmental steward;
from our robust recycling programs to designing our infrastructure--integrating
the newest in energy efficiencies, we are always looking for green-approaches
to completing our mission of Homeland Defense," said Colonel James Keefe, 104th
Fighter Wing Commander at Barnes Air National Guard Base. "We are excited to
explore additional opportunities to decrease our carbon foot-print through
collaborating with the Clean Energy Project Team and the Lt. Governor's
office."
“We at Fort Devens welcome the opportunity offered by Massachusetts of having
an external agency provide an assessment of our energy programs," said Lt.
Colonel Steven F. Egan at Fort Devens.
"The Air Force is always looking at ways to reduce our operating costs,
increase energy efficiency and reduce our environmental impact," said Colonel
Lester Weilacher, Hanscom Air Force Base Commander. "We welcome this opportunity
to explore such opportunities in partnership with the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts.”
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NAAAP Boston's Annual Gala and Awards
on January 18
The memorable evening will include cocktail hour, an exquisite three-course
dinner, a fun and interactive theater show, and most importantly, an award
ceremony to recognize five award recipients.
From over 400 NAAAP Boston members, two leaders and three members are
selected as this year’s award recipients for their outstanding involvement and
contribution to the all-volunteer Asian American organization. Awards as
follows: NAAAP Boston MVP Award for Leaders: Sang Yoon NAAAP Boston Leaders
Rising Star Award: Wei Wong NAAAP Boston MVP Award for the Marketing & PR
Committee: Wennie Fang NAAAP Boston MVP Award for the Networking Committee:
Christopher Wong NAAAP Boston MVP Award for the Corporate Relations Committee:
William Poon "The format of the Annual Gala has evolved over the years, but the
heart of the event has always been the same. This event is NAAAP Boston's way of
recognizing the year's successes and thanking members and sponsors for their
continued support. It's a celebration of the strength and vivacity in our
community," said Celia Ho, the Co-Director of NAAAP Boston Networking Committee
and one of the organizers of the gala.
About NAAAP Boston
The National Association of Asian American Professionals, Boston Chapter
(NAAAP Boston) is the premier leadership organization for Asian professionals in
Greater Boston. Founded in 1986, NAAAP Boston is one of the oldest and largest
chapters, with over 400 members as of December 2012.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to developing and advancing
the careers of Asian leaders, NAAAP Boston cultivates professional excellence
among its members, connects accomplished professionals for mutual success,
engages members in community service, and works with employers in business,
nonprofit, and government to recruit, retain, and promote high-achieving
individuals. For more information, please visit www.naaapboston.org.
For registration and more information about the annual gala, please check out
the link below:
http://www.naaapboston.org/Events/Calendar/tabid/2304/vw/3/itemid/3055/d/20130118/Default.aspx
Media Contact: Yan Yu
Email: yan.yu@naaapboston.org
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MMA Alert – Met P&C
Will
Reimburse Drivers Over Alleged Auto Insurance Overcharges
The Massachusetts
Motorcycle Association (MMA) has been informed by the
Attorney General’s Office
(AGO) that they have reached a settlement with
Metropolitan Property &
Casualty Insurance Company (Met P&C) with
regard to allegations that it
failed to refund surcharge premiums to
insurance policyholders after those
surcharges were eliminated by the
Commonwealth’s Board of Appeal. This
settlement effects all motor vehicle
insurance carriers, not just motorcyclists,
but follows a line of actions
similar to those which have resulted in nearly $43
million being returned to
Motorcyclists thus far.
Previous activities by
the AGO were targeted at overcharges by the
Insurance Carriers in the
Comprehensive and Collision Premiums of Motorcycle
Policies because the Carriers
were not accurately applying vehicle
depreciation. The settlement with Met
P&C announced today deals with
policy premium overcharges caused by
surcharges that should have been
removed; today's settlement also applies to
all motor vehicle insurance policies,
not just motorcycles.
The AGO investigated
Met P&C’s surcharge practices after a compliant
from a Massachusetts
Consumer indicated their surcharge had not been removed
from their premium
despite having been vacated by the Commonwealth’s Board
of Appeal in 2010. Met
P&C cooperated with the AGO which found that Met
P&C had failed to
refund more than $700 in surcharge premiums. The
Commonwealth’s Board of Appeal
is an independent board that reviews at-fault
accident determinations made by
insurance companies. Once a surcharge is
vacated by the Board of Appeal,
insurance companies are required by law to
refund the surcharge premium to the
policyholder.
Met P&C has agreed
to engage in a supervised audit of the relevant
insurance policies to determine
refund amounts and provide those refunds
plus 6% interest to the consumer as
well as penalties to the Commonwealth.
The AGO is now investigating additional
Insurance Carriers with the
assistance of the Merit Rating Board.
The MMA would like its
membership and all riders to be aware of this
issue and check their insurance
policies. If you believe you are unfairly
being charged a premium, regardless
of your insurance carrier, you are
encouraged to contact the AGO directly, or
contactMyRefund@MassMotorcycle.org for
more
information or assistance.
For more information,
see http://www/MassMotorcycle.org or
contactMyRefund@MassMotorcycle.org
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GOVERNOR PATRICK CALLS FOR INCREASE TAX TO SUPPORT
INVESTMENTS IN EDUCATION, TRANSPORTATION
Creating fair, competitive tax system will provide revenues
necessary to improve Commonwealth's economic future
Governor Patrick delivers his State of the Commonwealth
address in the House Chambers at the State House.(Photo: Eric Haynes /
Governor’s Office)
BOSTON – Wednesday, January 16, 2013 – Tonight in his State of the
Commonwealth Address at the Massachusetts State House, Governor Deval Patrick
will propose to invest in opportunity and growth by building a 21st-Century
education and transportation network for this generation and the ones that
follow.
To support almost $2 billion in meaningful investments that will strengthen
the state’s economic future, the Governor will call for the creation of a more
fair and comprehensive tax system that lowers the sales tax to 4.5% and raises
the income tax to 6.25%.
“There is no good time to raise taxes. I know how tough times have been on
the people and families of the Commonwealth,” Governor Patrick plans to say. “I
would not ask if I did not believe in my heart that investing meaningfully today
in education and transportation will significantly improve our economic future.
But because we all have a stake in that future, we should all contribute to
paying for it.”
The Governor will say that any new revenue must meet the following
principles: comprehensive, fair, dedicated and competitive.
In his budget, the Governor will seek to cut the sales tax from 6.25% to 4.5%
and dedicate all the proceeds to a public works fund that will support the
transportation plan laid out on Monday, as well as the school building fund and
other public infrastructure. The sales tax proceeds will be off limits for any
other purpose.
To fund the education initiatives outlined yesterday, the Governor will
propose a 1 percentage point increase in the income tax to 6.25%. To make that
increase fair to all according to their ability to pay, the Governor will double
the personal exemptions.
To make that increase fair to all according to their ability to pay, the
Governor will propose that we double the personal exemptions for every taxpayer
and eliminate a number of itemized deductions. Making those changes gives us a
tax code that is simpler and fairer.
The changes to state sales, income and business taxes will be comparable to
and competitive with our neighboring states and those with which we compete.
The Governor plans to tell the Legislature: “That is what I propose. There
will be debate. I encourage it. Every one of us here has to think twice before
asking people who already feel strapped to contribute a little more. But this
time, instead of sinking into the same old slogans, let’s have a serious,
fact-based debate. The people we work for want the schools I have described;
they want the rail and road services we have laid out; and above all they want
the opportunity and growth these investments will bring. We on their behalf
have choices to make. I choose growth.”
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