Group to rally in support of Mass. tax hike

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Supporters of Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick's plan for a broad-based tax increase to pay for improvements in transportation and education plan to make their voices heard at the Statehouse.

A coalition called the Campaign for Our Communities has organized a rally and lobbying day today even as many top lawmakers appear to be shying away from Patrick's proposal to raise nearly $2 billion in new revenue.

The governor has called for raising the state income tax from 5.25 to 6.25 percent, while also eliminating some itemized deductions. He also wants to lower the sales tax from 6.25 to 4.5 percent.

Meanwhile, the Legislature's Transportation Committee will hold a hearing today on the administration's plan for maintaining and modernizing the state's aging transportation infrastructure.