DevalWatch: Patrick Lays Down Smack Upon Legislature

Governor Deval Patrick took the legislature's slogan, "Reform Before Revenue," and flipped it when he threatened to veto any legislation that incorporated Speaker Robert DeLeo's proposed 25% sales tax hike. The tax, which would provide $275 million additional revenue for transportation agencies, was proposed in response to Patrick's request for a 19% gas tax hike and significant reforms in transportation agencies. Patrick's tax would have provided twice as much revenue for the agencies. In his letter to the legislature, Patrick claimed that DeLeo's tax plan was unfocused and accused both the House and the Senate of neglecting to enact crucial ethics and pension reforms that Patrick thinks are the prerequisite for any tax increase. [Globe]