Dear Mr. Crosby, Mr. Callahan and members of the North Shore Labor Council:

Thank you for contacting me regarding the issue of raising revenues and the effects this will have on state workers throughout the Commonwealth. I understand your serious concern for this important matter and appreciate your correspondence.

I share your position on freezing the current business tax rate and securing the future of state employees by not permitting pay freezes. The people who serve the Commonwealth in such a dedicated manner deserve to have the assurance and security that come along with the stable financial future they depend upon for their retirement.

I also support the proposed tax reform that changes the rate from flat to progressive, making the income tax more equitable with a rate that will vary based on the income of the individual. I am a strong advocate for this issue, and I have proposed a Millionaire Tax Amendment to the Massachusetts State Constitution that would levy the income ta at a uniform rate throughout the Commonwealth on incomes less than $1,000,000,  while permitting an increase in the rate for those with incomes above this level. I share your belief in progressive taxation and the fairness that this taxation reform promotes. The common ground present in all of these issues stems from the concept that equitable taxation should fluctuate with income, having the wealthiest people and businesses contribute a higher share of revenue. I will continue to advocate for these issues as they are addressed in the legislature.

Thank you again for writing and please do not hesitate to contact me with any further questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Mark Falzone