Funding for Public Schools and Colleges

Funding for Public Schools and Colleges

The Solutions

Support Governor Deval Patrick's proposals to increase revenues

Close corporate tax loopholes: According to the Department of

Revenue, the governor's plan would raise $297 million in new revenue in

FY09.

Municipal Partnership Act: Implement remaining sections. The

telecommunications tax portion would raise an estimated $78 million

annually. The amount generated by local-option meal and hotel taxes would

depend on how many communities adopt them.

License three resort casinos in the state: Estimates vary, but fees alone

are expected to raise several hundred million dollars in the year the casinos

are licensed. Once casinos are operating, the governor estimates they will

generate annual revenues of $400 million.

Support Chapter 70 Study Bill

Under this bill (S. 291), independent experts would determine the real cost

of educating all students to the level required by state standards.

Defeat the November ballot initiative to eliminate the state income tax

This initiative would slash $11.4 billion, annually, from the state's budget -

about 40 percent - which would drastically cut funding for services, including

public schools and higher education.