OPINION|Thomas: Lower The Sales Tax [Poll]

It's been an extreme burden on consumers and retailers since 2009. That's when the Massachusetts Legislature forced their will on us, again. This time with a 25% hike in the sales tax. According to the Department of Revenue, the state was rewarded with $6.209 B in sales tax revenue in the year ending June 30, 2017. Can you scream it. More than $6.2 billion in  use and sales, meals and motor vehicle taxes. The DOR claims our sales tax is the state's 2nd highest revenue source. Number one? You guessed it. The income tax.

I didn't believe Beacon Hill lawmakers when they vowed on a stack of fake bibles that the sales tax increase was temporary, necessary, because the economy pooped the toilet. Year in and year out since 2009, our esteemed lawmakers have bloated the expense column. This year, leaders voted themselves a stipend raise, and increased budgets across the table. Massachusetts has a run a muck economy.

I wholeheartedly endorse the Retailers Association of Massachusetts ballot questions to reduce the sales tax. Now is time to use our ballot clout to:

1. Lower the sales tax
2. Vote in a permanent tax free weekend
3. Usher the elected jesters out of office
4. Protect our own interests

Editor’s Note:   Brian Thomas is the host of Brian’s Beat on 1420 WBSM New Bedford.  He can be heard weekdays from 10am-Noon and Saturdays from 6am-9am.  The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.