Healey and Voters Disagree Over Massachusetts Income Tax Rollback

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Bay State voters are on opposite sides of what could be an election day draw this November. Voters could face a ballot question seeking a three-year phased-in reduction of the Massachusetts income tax from five percent to four percent.

The income tax rollback is popular with voters, but not so with Healey, who warns the tax cut would be "very, very harmful."

"People can't afford this," Healey said during a recent appearance on the WCVB-TV On the Record broadcast. Healey said "Sixty-five percent of all funding for education would go away," if the initiative is approved.

READ MORE: Healey Opposes State Income Tax Cut

"You're going to see all the funding that we give to cities and towns be significantly reduced," Healey said.

Voters disagree or don't care, according to a new poll.

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What the Poll Reveals About Voter Support

A University of New Hampshire Survey Center poll of Massachusetts voters found 58 percent somewhat or strongly support the income tax rollback, 21 percent oppose it, and another 21 percent had no opinion.

The tax cut is most popular with poll respondents older than 50 and less so with those 18 to 49. Republicans support the cut in significantly greater numbers than do Democrats.

Which Groups Support and Oppose the Rollback

The Massachusetts High Technology Council, Pioneer Institute, and the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance support an income tax rollback, while the Massachusetts Budget Policy Center opposes the idea.

Another Ballot Question: Statewide Rent Cap Proposal

The University of New Hampshire Survey Center poll found strong support for another proposed ballot question that would cap annual rent increases in most rental units statewide at five percent.