“It is with great trepidation that I begin my preliminary examination of the Governor’s Fiscal Year 2014 budget proposal.
As laid out in the days leading up to the release of the Governor’s FY14 budget recommendations, Governor Patrick is ready to implement a tax and spend approach that will not benefit anyone other than the legacy of the Patrick/Murray Administration. At a time when Beacon Hill needs to advocate for the reform of state spending and financial savings, Governor Patrick has once again prioritized his legacy over the needs of the Commonwealth’s residents.
Furthermore, contrary to the Governor’s belief that the structural deficit is gone, it is alive and well, and this budget only perpetuates it. The Administration’s method of reckless taxation as a means towards revenue, while tapping into the ‘Rainy Day’ fund, is both shortsighted and extremely irresponsible. I encourage Governor Patrick himself to engage the Commonwealth’s residents in the factual debate that he so desperately wants to conduct.
This year’s budget is not one to be taken lightly and the Legislature will be forced to grapple with the many fiscal constraints facing Massachusetts. However, what should not be lost in budgetary line items or sound bites are the real concerns and desires of the taxpayers.”
