Had Enough? Vote Republican!

To the Editor,

Massachusetts has been dominated by one political party for decades.  So perhaps it's time to ask a simple question: How is that working out for us?

Housing Affordability Index places Massachusetts 49th out of 50 states. 

Job Growth places Massachusetts 48th out of 50 states.  

Residents Leaving their State.  Massachusetts ranks 5th highest in Net Domestic Outmigration.

Individual Income Tax. Massachusetts ranks 5th highest.  (Base Flat 5% rate plus 4% surtax on income over $1million)

How many times do Massachusetts taxpayers have to reach into their pockets?

Eight taxes.  Eight different ways government can reach into your pocket: Income tax, property tax, sales tax, capital-gains tax, energy tax, excise tax, estate tax and millionaire’s tax.  

At some point, taxpayers have every right to ask the following question.  How much is enough?  Massachusetts families aren't just concerned about what they earn.   They're concerned about how much it costs to live here, own a home, run a business, and save for retirement.  

Massachusetts has 200 seats in the State Legislature: 160 State Representatives and 40 State Senators. Democrats currently hold 166 of those seats, or 83%.  83%: think about that.  Our system of government works best when there are checks and balances, competing ideas, vigorous debate, and accountability. 

But when one party controls 83% of the Legislature, where are the meaningful political checks and balances on Beacon Hill?

Massachusetts voters should be asking: Are we more affordable?  Are we creating enough jobs? Is it easier to buy a home, raise a family, run a business, pay our bills and retire in Massachusetts?

The answer to those questions is an emphatic NO.  When one party holds overwhelming legislative power, it also has to be willing to own the record.  On November 5, 2024, nearly 72% of Massachusetts voters delivered an unmistakable message: Audit the State Legislature.  Nearly two years later, the people are still waiting.  The audit has not taken place as legislative leaders continue to resist the Auditor's effort.  

Governor Maura Healey announced a temporary suspension of Massachusetts' 24-cent gas tax and filed the legislation on September 23.  Yet motorists are still waiting for the Legislature to approve it.  More inaction by the Democrat controlled legislature.

Governor Maura Healey has been governor since 2023.  More than 33,000 residents were lost to other states.  Greater Boston's median single-family home price has surpassed $900,000.  Massachusetts remains one of only four states that had not recovered to its pre-pandemic private-sector employment level.  Residential electricity prices reached 30.49 cents per kWh in July 2026, among the highest in the nation.  A state audit sharply criticized the administration's handling of emergency shelter contracts, finding inadequate oversight and improper procurement practices.  For FY2026, 57 Massachusetts cities and towns put Proposition 2½ override questions before voters, asking taxpayers to approve increases beyond the normal property-tax levy limit.  Permanent Tax Increase. 

When families are already struggling with housing, energy, food, insurance, and everyday expenses, how much more can taxpayers afford?  Blast from the past.  As Attorney General, Maura Healey proudly declared that she “stopped two gas pipelines from coming into this state.”  Now, with Massachusetts families struggling with some of the highest energy costs in the country, voters have every right to question whether opposing additional natural-gas infrastructure was the right decision.

Enough is enough. Massachusetts voters deserve a government that makes the Commonwealth more affordable, more competitive, and more accountable, not one that simply asks taxpayers to keep paying more.  We need checks and balances.  We need opposing voices.  We need accountability.  And we need leaders willing to put practical solutions ahead of partisan politics. 

Let's bring common sense back to Beacon Hill.  Let's restore balance, demand results, and put Massachusetts taxpayers first.  Vote Republican across the board on November 3rd.  

Lisa Marie Cashman and Michael Scarlata

Republican State Committee, First Essex and Middlesex