Proposed income tax raise questioned

AGAWAM, Mass. (WWLP) - Governor Deval Patrick wants to raise our income tax, but the proposal faces a lot of opposition from local elected officials, like Agawam City Councilors.

They say increasing the state income tax by one percent would hurt every working person.

Many people told 22News in this economy, smaller paychecks will mean not being able to buy essentials like food.

“It's a double edged sword,” said Sarah Jandreau of Ludlow. “Regardless of how they do that, they are going to hurt people. They need to come up with a better way to do that.”

Gov. Patrick's proposal also includes expanding sales tax to apply to candy and soda and increasing excise tax on cigarettes.