Taxachusetts coming back?

With the state facing a massive budget deficit, many liberals are calling for the one thing they know best: raise taxes. As the Globe's Joan Vennochi points out, this is the last thing Gov. Deval Patrick needs right now.

Still, it seems like a tough time to sell new taxes to many people, including the governor.

Patrick faces a challenging political environment, illustrated by low approval ratings and the need to call in his friend, President Obama, to help raise money and fire up supporters.


Now, he has to weigh pressure from a tax-loving liberal base against the antitax sentiments of more moderate voters.

Over the past year, much of the news out of Beacon Hill reminded Massachusetts of everything they dislike about state government.


A House speaker and a state senator were indicted on corruption charges.

Outrageous examples of state pension abuse raised the rhetoric level of radio talk show hosts and the blood pressure of average citizens.


The governor’s attempt to slide a state senator and supporter into a $175,000 job in a state bonding authority became such a flashpoint, the lawmaker walked away from the job.
Meanwhile, state troopers still collect overtime as they direct traffic around construction work sites.


When the public is periodically enraged by examples of patronage, waste, and corruption, it’s harder to engage in a rational discussion of how much money should be spent on health care, human services, public safety, schools, and local aid.

But we should have it. With Bay State unemployment at 9.3 percent, the highest rate since 1976, there is an argument that more people need help from government.