Breaking it in Taxachusetts...

The government in our state has voted to approve a sales tax for alcoholic beverages purchased in a retail store. In the opinion of the lawmakers, this is a a change that would bring in an estimated $80 million for "substance-abuse programs".

Substance abuse programs?
Because there aren’t any other things that the money could go towards?

This is not to say that I am not in support of substance abuse programs – however, given the economy and the current fiscal state we find the Commonwealth in, I think there are a variety of other ways to spread the extra income that might be earned. And I say might…have the lawmakers on the Hill not taken into regard that everyone these days are changing they way that they spend their money – and now people may opt not to purchase these products in Massachusetts, if there is any possibility that they don’t have to?

Color me crazy, but it is abundantly apparent that lawmakers took into consideration the fact that Massachusetts is not just Boston proper. Beacon Hill, Newbury Street, Back Bay, Wellesley, Newton….these areas aren’t the 'burbs. So while there is a real possibility that stores in Boston may not be impacted as tremendously (outside of the inconvenience with pricing modifications, and of course potentially paying tremendously more in taxes) – this increase in tax can and will have the potential to virtually kill smaller beverage businesses that are anywhere in the 25 mile radius to NH. Does this state not care at all about it’s small business community?

To add insult to injury – this is going to be potential affecting the job market for some; yet creating more jobs for the IRS. New tax divisions are going to be set up I’m sure, to regulate this new tax on alcoholic beverage retailers. So more job creation for the federal and government sector….potentially hundreds of jobs lost in the private sector.

Not to mention the increase in sales tax on traditionally taxed items being raised 25%. That is a tremendous jump.

I live in a community that it is located on 93, so it is just as quick and easy for me to shop in NH as it is in MA for many of my items. And truthfully, I shop in NH 9 out of 10 times --partly if for nothing more than less traffic congestion, and most especially for large ticket items to avoid paying the tax as it stands today. An increase to the sales tax is a laughable way to attempt to generate revenue for the Commonwealth. It is however, a sure fire way to potentially eliminate revenue, because there are already people like myself who shop online and out of state; how many others will potentially follow that lead?

Here’s a thought… clearly, there’s no interest in Welfare reform or remodification of other programs that might be thick in the waist with spending. How about a pay cut for these law makers who represent “we the people”.

I know I personally took a small pay cut, (twice actually) – to stay in a job I really enjoyed. Times were tight, the contracts changed and the companies didn’t pay as much as a previous one. But I loved my job – it wasn’t a tremendous cut – and it was worth it to me in the long run.

Why don’t the public servants all support a vote to either not receive a pay increase this year….or maybe even receive a slight pay decrease? I’m thinking that the monies generated from their generosity could go towards things that this state truly needs.

Like buying down the debt of the Big Dig for one.

But what do I know? I’m just a taxpayer and a small business owner.
And clearly, I’m going to be getting it from both ends.