Legislators react to possibility of tax increases

BOSTON (WWLP) - Governor Deval Patrick is preparing for his annual State of the Commonwealth address Tuesday night, but his agenda may be a hard sell for some lawmakers.

The speech is expected to include a proposal for various tax hikes and fee increases.

On Monday, Patrick unveiled an ambitious transportation plan that requires the state to raise more than one billion dollars in additional revenue. On Tuesday, he proposed an additional $550 million dollar investment in education. 

Sources familiar with Patrick's plans say that revenue-raising options could include raising taxes on personal income and on investment income.

“I’m open to a wide range of proposals,  but first I want to know what we're actually going to do, how much it's going to cost, and I want a fair and balanced package,” said Sen. Stanley Rosenberg (D-Amherst).

The Patrick Administration says that new revenue is necessary for economic growth, and if the state does nothing, it will face a $3 billion transportation deficit over the next 10 years.