2003 REVENUE CAMPAIGN
2003 Revenue Campaign

Massachusetts is facing a revenue crisis.  Over the past ten years generous tax cuts to wealthy individuals and corporations have depleted the Commonwealth's revenue base and its ability to deliver important government services.  We need to raise revenue to stop the drastic budget cuts to programs and services working men and women rely on. Help us stop the cuts and raise revenue.  Tell your state your state representative that the choice is clear--we would rather pay a dollar a day more in taxes by restoring the income tax as well as close corporate loopholes than watch important state services be cut.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Stop the Cuts and Raise Revenue

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

Massachusetts is facing its worst fiscal crisis since the Great Depression. Programs we care about and rely on are being cut due to the shrinking revenue base. The answer to our revenue problem is not to cut services but rather fix our structural deficit. We must raise revenue and save programs we care about. I would rather see corporate loopholes closed and pay a dollar more in taxes a day by restoring the income tax than see cuts to health care, education, and public safety.

The budget cuts affect all of us--not just low-income people. I am affected by the cuts because....

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
June 11, 2003


Background Information

Over the past ten years Massachusetts has given away billions of dollars in taxes to wealthy individuals and corporations.  As the nation is facing a recession, Massachusetts is suffering its worst fiscal crisis since the Great Depression.  Our revenue base has shrunk to a point that given any drop in revenue due to a recession, Massachusetts will not be able maintain the level of current services it provides to its citizens.  We are facing a revenue crisis. Despite rhetoric to the contrary, government spending is not out of control.  Spending in Massachusetts has kept pace with inflation.  Legislators must replenish the Commonwealth's revenue base starting with closing existing corporate loopholes and restoring the income tax.

For more information on Massachusetts current revenue crisis please visit:http://www.massbudget.org