Steven Howitt recently examined some of the results of the Democrats' fiscal policy that has contributed to the deterioration of business conditions, eradicated job creation, and shattered consumer confidence in the District.  “Business owners have no confidence that tax and spending increases will fix the economy. To even begin to make headway and find solutions will require someone who actually listens to the job creators and entrepreneurs who help our economy grow.”

 

Here are some results of the Democrats' failed economic policy.

 

- Taxes have increased eight times by more than $1 billion under Governor Deval Patrick.

- In Governor Patrick’s first three years in office, spending growth outpaced tax growth, inclusive of a

12% increase during the fiscal crisis.

- Massachusetts is borrowing at record levels just to meet payroll and cash needs, borrowing $3.25 billion in the last two fiscal years and borrowing money to pay state workers’ salaries.

- The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has lost 100,000 jobs under Governor Patrick and the Democrat controlled legislature.

- Since fiscal 2007, direct local aid has been cut by more than $400 million, resulting in teacher layoffs, police and fire personnel reductions, and cuts to other local resources.

- Since Governor Patrick took office the unemployment rate has doubled from 4.6% to 9.2% today.

- In 2010, unemployment hit a 34-year high. There are 320,000 people out of work in Massachusetts today.

- According to The Tax Foundation, Massachusetts has the 5th highest tax burden in the nation, ranks 36th in business tax climate and ranks 47th on corporate taxes.

It is interesting that the incumbent State Representative has voted with the Democrat leadership over 90% of the time. Last year, the incumbent voted for the sales tax increase of 25%. He voted to increase the sales tax on cigarettes. He voted to expand the sales tax on beer, wine, and liquor, which is already taxed at the wholesale level, which is a tax on a tax. He voted, and is one of a very few who did, against a "sales tax free weekend" scheduled for August 2010. Moreover, the incumbent seems to work very hard to prevent jobs from coming to Massachusetts. Given his adamant opposition to casinos and slot machines and his opposition to tax credits for the film industry, it is clear he is working to prevent the employment of thousands of people, who otherwise could potentially have an income through these industries to support themselves and their families.

 

It is time for a new voice to represent the 4th Bristol District.