Taxes in Massachusetts, as a share of income, are relatively low--lower than in Georgia or North Carolina, for example. We've had many years of Republican governors and between tax cuts and our high incomes we do not pay much in taxes. I think we're ranked like #29 among states for state and local taxes.
Throw in our federal tax burden, where our high salaries and the progressive tax system means that we subsidize a lot of poorer states, and we rise to #4.
It's all about jobs, and housing.
The high paying, hi-tech job market has definitely slowed down.
The median price of a single family home is approaching $400K.I certainly don't blame anyone for seeking greener pastures. If i was younger, I'd probably bail out too.
One interesting point to ponder in my county(Barnstable); second home ownership has skyrocketed, keeping our local taxes down, while keeping the building industry very busy.
Richard
"This is a state in which a tax cut can be decisively approved by the voters yet never go into effect."
"In which a $2 billion Big Dig ends up costing $14 billion."
"In which Ted Kennedy keeps getting reelected."
Tax-wise, Massachusetts is better off than in years past. I know people who moved to Pennsylvania and North Carolina who were shocked that personal property taxes (real estate) and/or income taxes were higher than Massachusetts. I have yet to discover why the populace in Massachusetts continues to vote against its interests by voting Democrat.
In my state legislative district, Cheryl Jacques resigned her state senate seat (after impregnating her "partner" with a turkey baster) to become the short-lived director of the Human Rights Campaign, a gay advocacy group. Her office manager, a basket case who never held an actual job, ran against a very competent Republican (Scott Brown) for the state senate seat. Brown won the interim election, and then prevailed again during the regular election cycle. But both elections were close, in the 51/49 percent range. With good voter turnout. I can only wonder why.
Real estate prices will moderate but not collapse as illegals occupy older urban properties while those who can, leave for the suburbs. Those with equity take the opportunity to cash out and move on to a more hospitable climate (in many senses of the word).
Jeff Jacoby used the word "disdain" for the elite's attitude toward the electorate. As one of those who is pulling the wagon (and getting fewer every day), I am waiting for the day I take off my harness and move on to a state where "disdain" is not the general attitude towards the populace.