BOSTON, MA – Today, Marine Corps Veteran, successful business leader, and proven government reformer Brian Shortsleeve, Republican candidate for governor vowed to protect Proposition 2 ½.
“Barbara Anderson and Citizens for Limited Taxation gave Massachusetts one of the most important taxpayer protections we’ve ever had. Without Prop 2½, property taxes would have exploded long ago, and even more families would be priced out of our state. As the next governor, I will fight any effort to weaken it, whether it comes from Boston Mayor Michelle Wu or Beacon Hill politicians,” said Shortsleeve.
Mayor Michelle Wu has openly called for an increasing of the 2.5% tax threshold.
“With skyrocketing home values, property taxes are climbing fast, burdening homeowners and renters alike. Allowing local politicians to increase taxes above the 2.5% will mean more seniors being forced from their homes and housing becoming even more unaffordable for working families. As the next governor, I will work to reduce our tax burden, not increase it,” said Shortsleeve.
Shortsleeve is concerned with the overall trend coming out of Boston to force tax increases at the local level. Maura Healey has filed legislation to allow communities to double car excise taxes and increase the local meals tax.
“Massachusetts has been called ‘Taxachusetts’ for decades, and under Maura Healey and Michelle Wu, that nickname is coming back with a vengeance. I’m running for governor to cut taxes, rein in spending, and protect people’s wallets,” said Shortsleeve.