Waltham, MA – As Massachusetts voters rally behind a proposed ballot question to reduce the state income tax from 5% to 4%, Speaker Ron Mariano and the Democratic supermajority are signaling that taxes could be raised if voters do not align with their agenda and vote for the tax decrease.

Leading Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Kennealy condemned the rhetoric, calling it a direct affront to taxpayers and the democratic process.

“Rather than consider how the state budget has doubled over the past decade, Speaker Mariano insists on continuing to feed the beast, and Governor Healey has no intention of getting in his way. We are witnessing a Democratic supermajority that is not only ignoring the will of the people, but actively pursuing policies that run counter to their interests,” said Kennealy. “For nearly a year, I’ve traveled across Massachusetts and heard the same message from citizens: They need real financial relief, and they want Beacon Hill to rein in spending. The Democratic leadership is rejecting both.”

Kennealy also criticized what he described as empty affordability rhetoric from the current administration.

“It’s one thing to talk about ‘affordability,’ as Governor Healey often does but without meaningful policy or action, those words are hollow,” Kennealy continued. “That’s not leadership; that’s empty-suit politics.”

Kennealy reaffirmed his support for reducing the income tax rate while also addressing state spending.

“We can deliver meaningful tax relief, like lowering the income tax, and restore fiscal discipline without raising taxes – anything less defeats the purpose of this ballot question and fails the people of Massachusetts.”

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