State Representative Daniel Webster (R-Pembroke) joined House and Senate republican lawmakers for a joint press conference Thursday afternoon to express their frustration and disappointment with Governor Patrick’s sizeable tax increases on residents and businesses.

“I cannot in good faith ask, nor can I justify asking taxpayers to hand over even more of their hard earned dollars to support Governor Patrick’s misplaced priorities,” said Webster.  “In the last year alone, the Democrats with much opposition from the Republicans, have passed the largest corporate tax increase in history, raised the cigarette tax, and proposed a host of other revenue increases.  Enough is enough.  I am tired of this argument being pushed as if increasing the gas tax or hiking the toll fees are our only solutions.  Let me be clear, they are not.  That is a fallacy and we are here to clarify.”

Speakers from the Massachusetts Restaurant Association and service station owners joined Representative Webster to explain to the press exactly why their industries can no longer afford to stay afloat in Massachusetts.  Should the increased tax proposals move forward, the after effects would be crippling.

“With so many companies and retail operations struggling, raising retail taxes to cover any shortfalls is the last thing the legislature should even be considering. The only ones making out are the businesses in surrounding states,” said Webster.  It is believed many consumers will flock to surrounding states should these tax proposals advance, thus damaging the Massachusetts economy even further.

For example, Governor Patrick has proposed a sales tax on candy, soda and alcohol for which he hopes will generate $25 million for the current fiscal year and as much as $150 million for next fiscal year. For those communities lying near state borders, decreased tax revenues and small business closings are inevitable.

“Increasing taxes is easy, it is a quick fix, but no longer can our residents and small business owners afford quick fixes.  We must consider reform alternatives before even think about raising taxes.  Given the state of our economy, the timing for this could not be any worse,” said Webster.