July 2, 2010

As the Assembly Budget Committee heard testimony today regarding the proposal to cap state and local spending at 2.5 percent, Barbara Anderson, who spearheaded the effort in bringing Proposition 2 ½ to Massachusetts, sent an email communication that was forwarded to the committee, wholeheartedly endorsing the spending limit that was approved in that state in 1980 and remains in effect today. Ms. Anderson is the Executive Director of Massachusetts Citizens for Limited Taxation an advocacy group that played an integral role in delivering property tax relief to one of the highest taxed states in the country.

Below is the text of Ms. Anderson’s message that was submitted for the record at the hearing, followed by Ms. Anderson’s biography.

July 2, 2010

Statement for New Jersey taxpayers
from Massachusetts Citizens for Limited Taxation

I know I speak for all Massachusetts taxpayers who created and/or now support Proposition 2 ½ when I wish New Jersey taxpayers a similar limit on their property taxes.

Our property tax limit is almost thirty years old. While we too wanted a constitutional amendment, like California’s, the restraints of our initiative petition process required us to create a statute – and it has survived and helped us prosper. Over the years, many of our 1980 opponents, particularly once hostile legislators, have admitted that it has worked and become its friends. It was good for not only our taxpayers, but for our economy and home values. Even the override provision gives us a sense of empowerment as local officials become more respectful and helpful to those they might someday have to approach for more money.

We would wish our brother taxpayers in New Jersey the initiative petition process someday. Meanwhile, we admire your current governor and his determination to give property taxpayers a legislative limit.

Sincere best wishes,
Barbara Anderson, executive director
Massachusetts Citizens for Limited Taxation
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Ms. Anderson’s Biography:

BARBARA ANDERSON

Born: February 17, 1943, St. Mary’s, Pennsylvania
Attended Penn State University: Dubois Campus (five terms); Main Campus (one term)

U.S. Navy wife: 1966-71: New Jersey; Florida; California; Greece

Children: One son, twin grandchildren

Prior job experience: Lifeguard, swimming instructor — U.S. Navy Base, Greece;

Town of Danvers, MA; Danvers and Marblehead YMCA

Moved to Massachusetts in September, 1971: Resident of Danvers, then Marblehead

Member, Marblehead Finance Committee, 1978-81

Citizens for Limited Taxation

1977: Volunteer (collected 4,800 signatures on petition for state tax limit)

1978-80: Administrative Assistant

1980-2010: Executive Director

1997-2000: Co-chairman with Chip Ford of "Promises to Keep: 5%", a successful ballot campaign to rollback the state income tax rate.

1999: Recipient of 4th Lifetime Taxfighter award from Howard Jarvis Taxpayer Assn.
Media

1989-98 Bi-weekly columnist, Patriot Ledger

1998-2010 Weekly columnist, Salem News, Eagle Tribune newsgroup

1989-96 Co-host on weekly "Governors" with Jerry Williams and Howie Carr/Bob Katzen, WRKO AM

Appointments

1981: Governor King's Commission on Restructuring State Government.
1997-98: Governor Weld's Commission on Alternative Funding for Education.
1998: Governor Cellucci's Transition Team for Economic and Fiscal policy..
2002-10 National Taxpayers Union Board of Directors