Closing Tax Loopholes and Municipal Flexibility on New Taxes

Last day of school in Northampton today. It was clear that students and teachers alike looked pretty relieved. But the relief felt short-lived when we started talking at a neighborhood end-of-school year party about the dire state of our school system.

Fortunately, there's one bright spot this year. The Patrick Administration is actually trying to get some legislative action on closing tax loopholes and granting municipalities the right to determine local tax vehicles to fund services.

Take a look at this notice from Neighbor to Neighbor. Though the hike to Boston for their rally tomorrow might be difficult on short notice, at least we can still call Sen. Stan Rosenberg and Rep. Peter Kocot to show our support. Please call today, it only takes a moment. And let us know how it goes.

Rally for the Municipal Partnership Act

You're Invited!

Rally for Municpal Partnership Act (MPA) There will be a rally with Governor Deval Patrick speaking on Thursday, June 21st from 1-3pm in Nurses' Hall on the 2nd floor of the State House. We are fighting for the immediate passage of the MPA! Call Your Legislator! 617-722-2000. Hi, my name is _______. I live [or work] at _________. I am calling, because I would like you to support the Municipal Partnership Act. It will close outdated tax loopholes for telecommunications companies costing our cities and towns $78 million in taxes and give local governments more choices in raising revenue locally. Thank you. My phone number is ________. Find your Representative and Senator:

Greetings! Neighbor to Neighbor is supporting the Municipal Partnership Act (MPA), because it closes the outdated telecommunications loophole and gives our cities and towns choices about raising revenue locally! There will be a rally with Governor Deval Patrick on Thursday, June 21st from 1-3pm in Nurses' Hall on the 2nd floor of the State House in support of the MPA The two most important aspects of the bill are: 1.) Closing the Telecommunications Tax Loophole. This law, passed in 1915 to help bring telephones service to all Massachusetts residents, exempted telecommunications companies from property taxes on above ground poles and wires. The goal of this outdated tax break was accomplished years and years ago and costs the state over $78 million annually. 2.) Allowing cities and towns to make choices about local hotel and meals taxes This will give them flexibility about how to pay for local services. Right now, cities and towns can only use the regressive property tax to bring in local revenue. Rally for Muncipal Partnership Act! DATE: Thursday, June 21st TIME: 1-3pm LOCATION: Nurses Hall State House MORE: Speaking Program 1-2pm. Meet with Local Legislators 2-3pm.

Please call or email Erin O'Leary at 617-723-6866 with any questions. Thanks! Neighbor to Neighbor Massachusetts Neighbor to Neighbor Massachusetts email: erin@n2nma.org phone: 617-723-6866 web: http://www.n2nma.org