To the Editor:
Inflation is eating into the paychecks of many these days, as I’m sure it’s doing to yours. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that the average American is spending $460 more per month due to the state of our economy.
It will be a nice reprieve this fall when taxpayers are due to receive a massive rebate from our state government. During the legislative session in July, Governor Charlie Baker notified lawmakers of an obscure law from 1986 which prevents the Commonwealth from taking in any tax revenue that exceeds the growth in real wages. This year that number is $3 billion, which equals a check worth $250 for an individual making an average salary of $75,000 annually.
I wouldn’t have been surprised if the Legislature found their way around this law, but campaign season has a way of making backroom deals more difficult. Anthony Amore, a candidate running for State Auditor with the blessing of Governor Baker, notified the public about a section of the law that allows 24 taxpayers to sue the state to enforce this law. He formed the coalition, and while it wasn’t needed I have no doubt the pressure campaign certainly helped.
Who will be the watchdog our taxpayer dollars when the governor leaves office next year? We should consider that carefully this election season.
Steven Bonini
Marlborough
