House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North
Reading) has appointed State Representative Randy Hunt (R-Sandwich) to serve as
his designee on a newly-created Tax Expenditure Commission.
The 12-member standing commission, which is being chaired by
Department of Revenue Commissioner Christopher C. Harding, will evaluate the
effectiveness and fiscal impact of state tax expenditures, and will develop a
schedule providing for an ongoing review of all tax expenditures at least once
every five years moving forward.
In announcing the appointment, Representative Jones cited
Representative Hunt’s extensive background in municipal finance and accounting.
“As a certified public accountant and former member of the
Town of Sandwich’s Finance Committee, Randy is well-versed in the state’s tax
laws and budget preparation,” said Representative Jones. “His expertise will be an asset to the commission
as it works to ensure that state tax policies are being implemented effectively
and efficiently.”
State law defines tax expenditures as state tax revenues
foregone due to “exemptions, deferrals, deductions from or credits against
taxes imposed on income, businesses and corporations, financial institutions,
insurance and sales.” In addition to
evaluating the fiscal impact and cost-effectiveness of state tax expenditures,
the commission’s review will also take into consideration how these expenditures
impact job creation and Massachusetts’ economic competitiveness on a regional
and national basis.
The commission will file a report on its findings and
recommendations every two years by March 1.
Representative Hunt represents the Fifth Barnstable District,
which consists of the Town of Sandwich; Precincts 11 and 12 in Barnstable; Precincts
1, 2 and 7 in Bourne; and Precinct 9 in Plymouth. A member of the House of Representatives
since 2011, he currently serves on the Joint Committee on Health CareFinancing; the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy; and
the Joint Committee on Transportation.
