Massachusetts Governor Candidates Propose Big Spending [OPINION]

In one of the bluest patches of real estate in the lower 48, the progressives are lining up to take on Republican Governor Charlie Baker next year. There are currently three declared Democrats aiming to dislodge the most popular governor in America, left-leaning RINO Baker, should he even decide to seek a third term.

There is fear among the candidates – Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz, former Sen. Ben Downing, and Harvard professor Danielle Allen – that Attorney General Maura Healey might enter the race. Healey would likely dominate the field with her massive war chest and fundraising ability. She is also highly popular among the Bay State's blue shirts.

For now, the candidates continue to peddle their philosophies for higher spending and more taxes to provide freebies to the masses. For example, the State House News Service reported Chang-Diaz has proposed "publically funded preschool, expanded behavioral health services in K-12 schools, and a grant program to cover public higher education tuition." She said it's part of her plan to offer high-quality public education "from birth to adulthood."

Chang-Diaz said her massive expansion of government-funded public education would be paid for through a variety of sources including a tax on so-called millionaires.

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Downing, meanwhile, wants to raise taxes to make regional bus rides and the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority free of charge to all who wish to ride. Downing would also extend commuter rail service from Boston to the New York border. Fare-free public transportation would be funded by new taxes and fees, federal COVID relief funds, and yes, raising taxes on so-called millionaires.

I guess there is such a thing as a free ride, at least according to Downing.

The progressives are telling you up front exactly how they plan to fleece you if they win the State House next year. I promise you this is just the tip of the iceberg. With more than a year to go before the election, there will be many more proposals just like these introduced.

Don't say you weren't warned.

Barry Richard is the host of The Barry Richard Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. Contact him at barry@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @BarryJRichard58. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.