Groups seek tax hike to aid cities and towns

BOSTON (WWLP) - A coalition of citizen groups from across the state is calling for more investment in Massachusetts communities, and they are asking for higher taxes to do it.

The groups want state lawmakers to raise the income tax rate from 5.25% to 5.95%, and increase personal exemptions for low and middle class families so that they are not impacted by the tax hikes. They are also proposing to raise the tax rate on investment income. 

The citizen groups estimate these tax reforms will raise about $2 billion in additional revenue that can be invested in transportation and community projects.

“I think what Massachusetts families can't afford is to continue to watch their infrastructure crumble around them,” said Andi Mullin, Director of Campaign for our Communities, which is advocating for the increase.

“If it means you have to pay more taxes, make sure that we're going to get revenue from that, because we don't want the things cut, we don't want programs cut,” Vivian Moulden of Springfield said.

On Monday, Governor Deval Patrick announced a transportation plan that requires the state to raise $1 billion in additional revenue .  The citizen groups say they're open to the Governor's proposal as well.