April 15, 2003
AS THEY RUSH TO FILE RETURNS, TAXPAYERS HEAR FROM ROMNEY
Governor promises to hold the line on higher taxes, calls on Legislature to pass reforms
On tax filing day, Governor Mitt Romney visited the South Boston Postal Annex to tell taxpayers that he will hold the line on taxes. Romney also challenged the Legislature to reject the “false choice” of deep spending cuts or higher taxes by adopting the reforms proposed in his budget.
Romney also addressed the allegations from members of the House leadership that his reforms do not save as much money as the Administration estimates.
“Let’s put the numbers to a test,” said Romney. “Pass my reforms and I’ll deliver the savings. Even if one thought the savings would be smaller, that’s no reason to abandon the reforms. If a reform saves money, let’s take it.”
He added, “This is not a choice between deep cuts or higher taxes. There is another way. My plan calls for reform. It’s hard to say goodbye to the old way of doing things, but people are demanding change.”
As Romney spoke with taxpayers, he released a list of “common-sense” reforms that are part of his budget.
Among the reforms are eliminating duplication by merging the Turnpike Authority with the Highway Department, consolidating the Metropolitan District Commission and the Department of Environmental Management into one unified parks system, closing underutilized courts and bringing public sector employment benefits in line with the private sector.
Romney said the $1 billion tax increase approved by the Legislature last year is responsible for the reduction or elimination of refunds this year.
“As the reality of last year’s tax increase sinks in, it is imperative to remember how important it is to hold the line on raising taxes again this year,” said Romney.
In addition, Romney’s budget takes a regional approach to education, economic development and health and human services in order to improve service delivery.
“Given our fiscal crisis, we have a unique opportunity this year to make permanent changes to state government that make sense, save money and make us more efficient,” Romney said. “Let’s not squander that opportunity, but instead work together to achieve reform once and for all.”
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