A new “millionaire’s tax” in Massachusetts was expected to generate $1 billion in revenue last year to help pay for public education, infrastructure, and early childcare programs, but projections were a bit off, according to a fresh state analysis.

The state Department of Revenue estimated late last week that the Fair Share Amendment, which requires people with incomes over $1 million, to pay a 4% annual surtax, will add $1.5 billion to state coffers this fiscal year, which ends in June—surpassing expectations.

Universal free school meals, much-needed improvements to an aging public transportation system, and tuition-free education for community college students are just some of the programs Massachusetts’ wealthiest residents have helped pay for after voters approved the law in 2022 amid growing calls across the United States to tax the richest households and corporations.

  • IninewCrow@lemmy.ca
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    11 months ago

    It’s basic economics … if you pay to have healthy children … they’ll grow to to be healthy adults.

    Healthy children are cheaper to take care of than unhealthy adults.

    It doesn’t matter if you are conservative or liberal or even socially minded or libertarian… if you don’t take care of your children and everyone else’s children, they’ll all grow up to be everyone’s problem for decades to come.

    • Infinite@lemmy.zip
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      11 months ago

      Basic logic with a side of math? Many conservatives’ only weakness! 😵