Mass. Governor Renews Push for Tax Increase

BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick is renewing his push for new revenues to pay for transportation and education initiatives, while acknowledging concerns about his plan to raise the state income tax.

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Credit Dwight Sipler

The tax changes proposed by the governor, aimed at raising nearly $2 billion in the fiscal year starting July 1, have so far received a lukewarm reception from legislative leaders on Beacon Hill.

On Wednesday, the governor announced that he was sending each of the 160 representatives and 40 senators in the Legislature maps detailing how their districts would benefit from the investments in transportation and education.

Patrick has called for raising the income tax rate from 5.25 percent to 6.25 percent, while lowering the sales tax from 6.25 to 4.5 percent. The governor continues to say he's open to alternative ways of raising new revenue.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.