-
LEGISLATIVE REPORT
Two Primary Issues:
The designated funds for the Inland Fish & Game funds were reestablished so Mass. will be entitled to the major federal reimbursements which would not be available if held in the General Fund.
2. With the help of our Senate supporters –particularly Senators Brewer and Resor – the Public Access Board’s functional integrity was preserved. MMTA testified in favor of this. However, there are two amendments to the base budget proposed but it is felt we can live with the base budget and either amendment. These will not be dealt with until the House and Senate budgets are reconciled.
Specific Bills:
a. H 1909 – Proposed to ban the sale of two-stroke engines as of June 2004. MMTA testified against the bill because of the steps already accomplished by the industry to meet or beat the federal standards. In spite of the long testimony both for and against the bill, we are optimistic it will not progress further.
b. H 3268 – Changing Boat Excise Tax. A group from MMTA met with the staff of Rep. Paul Casey, Chairman of the House Taxation Committee, to explain our opposition to this bill which would increase boat excise taxes as much as 953% or an average of about 400%. Admittedly our current tax table was developed in 1979 so some change may be necessary to adjust for inflation, but we don’t need more arguments for customers not to buy boats. We were well received in our objections to the proposed methodology but the present financial strains in the municipalities, create an atmosphere to get more income from any source so this will have to be watched closely.
(Excerpts from Jamy Madeja, Esq. Report – 5/29/03)
Return to THIS MONTH'S NEWLETTER INDEX
|
