New England Patriots proprietor Robert Kraft was blasted by MBTA employees and riders for attempting to defeat a poll initiative that might tax the rich to pay for fixes on the beleaguered company.
In a brand new report, advocacy group Public Transit Public Good mentioned Kraft, the state’s second-richest resident with a web value of $10.6 billion, is without doubt one of the prime monetary contributors to a marketing campaign that opposes the Fair Share Amendment.
Appearing as Question 1 on the November poll, Fair Share would create a 4% surtax on earnings over $1 million devoted to transportation and training.
As of Sept. 9, Kraft has contributed, paradoxically, $1 million to the “No on Question 1” marketing campaign, which was made by a Connecticut firm he owns, Rand-Whitney Containerboard, the report discovered.
“While Kraft opposes Fair Share, it is clear that he knows the value of the public services it could fund,” the report said. “The Kraft Group has put years of effort into securing commuter rail service to Patriot Place in Foxboro.
“A look at this history shows that multi-billionaire Kraft is happy for MBTA service to bolster his already astronomical wealth, but does not want to pay his fair share to keep it going.”
In September, the MBTA kicked off a year-long pilot to check curiosity in weekday commuter rail service to Foxboro.
This benefited Kraft, the report mentioned, by bringing extra consumers and diners to Patriot Place who could have in any other case been deterred by visitors congestion. Previously, trains solely went there for soccer video games and occasional particular occasions.
The advocates’ report makes the pitch that rising taxes on the rich will create a gradual income stream for the MBTA to make upkeep and security fixes with out “putting the burden on working people, seniors and young people.”
“The MBTA needs more resources to make sure our drivers and riders are safe,” mentioned Jim Evers, president of the Boston Carmen’s Union Local 589, which represents greater than 6,000 MBTA staff.
“Instead of trying to squeeze more fares out of riders who are already struggling to pay, it’s time for multi-millionaires to pitch in.”
Not everybody agrees with that pitch.
Paul Diego Craney, spokesperson for the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance, mentioned the surtax would harm companies and drive extra folks out of the state.
“A ‘yes’ vote on Question 1 will add an 80% surtax on many small businesses, retirees, home sales and some high-income earners, and will further accelerate the exodus of taxpayers,” he mentioned.
“A ‘no’ vote on Question 1 will protect our state flat tax rate of 5% and give our state a fighting chance to try to fix this growing problem.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com”