The Beacon Hill Report by Stephen A . Boksanski , GIA Legislative Agent
Before the end of this legislative session on July 31 , the Legislature has a full plate of priorities , including finalizing the FY23 budget , closing out FY22 with a supplemental budget , legalizing sports betting , encouraging the development of offshore wind and efforts to reduce emissions , a transportation bond to fund road and bridge projects , an economic development bill that has yet to be written , one or more healthcare bills , and potentially tax relief . Then , there are the hundreds of other bills that got out of committee and are at various stages of the legislative process all fighting for attention .
Another important storyline that deserves being mentioned is that the state is flush with cash . Last year the state pulled in over $ 5B in excess revenues . The Department of Revenue estimates that we are 15.5 % above where we were last year after the first 11 months of the fiscal year and $ 1.9B or 5.9 % over the more recently revised benchmarks . This isn ’ t counting the $ 13- $ 15B we received from the federal government over the past two years , much of which has not yet been spent . This dynamic has forced the Legislature to consider tax relief , even though this is not typically an issue we see championed in our statehouse .
All this revenue doesn ’ t help the folks who are promoting a constitutional amendment to implement a graduated income tax of 9 % on all income over $ 1M and who cry there just isn ’ t enough revenue … ever . This question will appear on the ballot , and you will be hearing a lot more about this when the campaign ads begin . This proposed tax is projected to hit over 75 % of residents once in their lifetime , typically when selling their home . Small businesses will also face this new burden if passed . Do we really need a new tax when our coffers are overflowing ?
by Stephen A . Boksanski GIA Legislative Agent
There have been similar graduated income tax proposals put before Massachusetts voters five times and each time the question has failed . We will see what the people say in November .
We do not see any major legislative threats on the horizon for the final stretch . We will continue to monitor the ongoing activity of a Glyphosate Commission that was established through legislation to conduct a scientific review of the potential impacts of glyphosate and its most common alternative herbicides . On June 6 , the Phase I report was released . It includes identification of all resources to consider for the scientific review being done by the Eastern Research Group , Inc . Phase II will focus on a review of those resources , but it is unclear exactly when this will be completed . Industry members provided feedback on sources they trust and will have the opportunity to provide additional input along the way . The result will be presented to the Glyphosate Commission and submitted to the Legislature , but it is only a report , not a policy or law .
With formal sessions ending on July 31 , legislators will have more time to spend in their districts working toward re-election with primaries in September and the general election in November . We wish everyone a great summer .
The MAA is a proud member of the Green Industry Alliance ( GIA ) along with the Massachusetts Association of Landscape Professionals , Massachusetts Association of Lawn Care Professionals , Irrigation Association of New England , and the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New England . Russell Holman , MCA , BCMA serves as the MAA ’ s representative . If you are interested in becoming involved with the GIA ’ s legislative and advocacy activities , please contact the MAA Office .
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SUMMER 2022 MAA NEWS 15