NFIB strongly opposed language in both the Massachusetts House and Senate transportation bills that would lead to tax increases for Massachusetts residents and small businesses. The House bill calls for a 5-cent increase to the state gas tax. The current Massachusetts gas tax is 26.6 cents per gallon and this proposal will raise it to 31.5 cents. NFIB opposes increases to the gas tax because it raises costs for those small businesses delivering goods and providing services. Additionally, many small business workers must be present at the workplace and this increases their expenses as well.
The Senate bill allows Regional Ballot Initiatives, which permit municipalities to band together to bring referendums before voters on transportation projects. To fund the projects, residents in the affected areas would vote to increase sales, occupancy, property and excise taxes. These Regional Ballot Initiatives have to potential to set a patchwork of varying sales tax rates across the Commonwealth, as well as raise other taxes on Massachusetts residents and businesses.
This legislation is currently before a six-member conference committee. NFIB is asking small business owners to contact conference committee members using our Action Alert system.
