Jones calls on DeLeo to oppose tax increases
House Speaker Robert DeLeo on Wednesday expressed optimism about working with incoming Gov. Charlie Baker as the House minority leader challenged DeLeo to shun tax increases.
Rep. Brad Jones, a Republican from North Reading, said after his 35-member caucus reelected him as minority leader that, while the economy is stronger, "none of us can or should be satisfied."
DeLeo has gone back and forth on taxes during his tenure, at times taking hardline stances against raising taxes, while supporting increases during other points in his six years as speaker. On the campaign trail, Baker said he would oppose tax and fee increases.
"Mr. Speaker, I can think of no better or clearer message that we can send regarding the economy and to the taxpayers than renewing, in bipartisan fashion, your pledge to refrain from any statewide tax increase," Jones said, addressing DeLeo and his colleagues. "The way to raise the revenues we need and the revenues we want is by broadening the base, not raising the rate. I am confident that by doing so, Mr. Speaker, you will have many allies in this chamber, as well as in the Corner Office."
Jones said it is time to prioritize the state's recovery after the end of the recession, and cautioned lawmakers not to ask taxpayers to pay for more programs and services. "Our desire to do more must always be tempered by the ability of the taxpayers to afford those wishes," he said.
In his remarks, Jones underscored the new power and policy dynamic on Beacon Hill, with a Republican arriving in the Corner Office and immediately facing an out-of-balance budget and Democratic supermajorities in the House and Senate.
Responding to Jones's call for no new taxes, Rep. Benjamin Swan, D-Springfield, said lawmakers have to look at "creative" ways to raise revenue and pointed to voters' repeal of the Legislature's move to index gas tax increases to inflation. "We've got to deal with maintaining our highways and bridges," he said.
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