Barrett Tallies Opinions from Constituents

State Sen. Mike Barrett says he’s heard “from constituents across the district who are calling, emailing and writing to voice their opinion on the various tax plans proposed by Governor Patrick and House and Senate leadership.”

The tax issue has been predictably hot, Barrett says, but the final tallies have been unexpected. 315 constituents support raising new revenue to invest in transportation and education.  Conversely 42 have written or called against any tax increase.

“Many phoned my office immediately after the Governor announced his plan,” Barrett continues, “but even more have sent postcards in response to later proposals.” In the past two weeks 76 residents have emailed or called to support the Governor’s larger plan as opposed to the smaller package passed by the House.

Issues not making headlines, such as election reform and direct wine shipping, have also prompted constituents to write in. Barrett says he’s received 46 emails in favor of election law reform, including absentee voting without an excuse.  People have also been reaching out in favor of direct wine shipping. Twenty-one wine lovers have advocated for a bill that would allow them to buy a limited number of bottles directly from out-of-state wineries.