22News viewers debate tax proposal

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - Governor Deval Patrick has a plan to boost revenue by taking more money out of your paycheck.

He revealed his proposal during his annual state of the Commonwealth address on Wednesday.

Groups and unions, including the Massachusetts Teachers Association support the plan.

He wants to use the extra tax money for education and transportation.

Specifically Gov. Patrick wants to raise the income tax from 5.25% to 6.25%, while lowering the state sales tax from 6.25% to 4.5%. He says it puts Massachusetts on a more fair tax code that's in line with neighboring states.

House GOP leader Rep. Brad Jones said Patrick should have proposed the tax hikes when he was running for re-election in 2010 and accused the Governor of saddling the taxpayers with what he called, "the Deval Patrick legacy project."

22News wanted to know what our Facebook page viewers had to say.

• Matt says, "I believe fundamentally that this is a good start to reduce the budget deficit. I'd prefer to see the income tax raised to 7% and the sales tax go down to 3%."
   
• Kathy says, "No. This only hurts the working class! I'd prefer to have income and sales tax lowered or eliminated."

• Mike says, "I think it's a good idea. I think he should raise the income tax to 7.25% and lower the sales tax to 3%. People are hurting by the over-inflated property tax."

• And Kerry says, "Raise sales tax and lower the income tax. Not everyone claims what they make, but everyone buys things."

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