Restaurant owners opposing Patrick tax hike plan

BOSTON (WWLP) - Restaurant owners are calling on lawmakers to go against Governor Deval Patrick’s tax increase proposals.

Indeed, Small businesses and restaurant owners want lawmakers to take a big bite out of the state sales tax, income tax, and meals taxes by 5 percent each. 

At their annual State House reception, members of the Restaurant and Business Alliance ate pizza, meatloaf, and cupcakes with lawmakers. 

Restaurant owners there told 22News that unemployment continues to rise, despite increases in government spending.  They insist the Governor's proposal to increase the income tax from 5.25% to 6.25% will only slow down job growth. They oppose his plan, even though it also includes a cut in the sales tax.

“I think that the business community is very demoralized,” said Dave Andelman, President of the Restaurant and Business Alliance.

“Food cost is up, energy cost is up, and now he’s talking about raising the income tax a point. I think it’s the exact wrong direction to be going.”

Restaurant owners suggested that lawmakers seek revenue in ways that do not burden small business owners. For instance, they say the state could enforce collection of sales taxes from online retailers, which could generate hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue.