Gov. Patrick Open to New Revenue Proposals

BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick says he remains open to other ideas for raising revenue to pay for improvements in transportation and education.

Enlarge image

Patrick has proposed a series of tax changes in his budget calling for a net increase of nearly $2 billon. His plan includes hiking the income tax from 5.25 percent to 6.25 percent, while reducing the sales tax from the current 6.25 percent to 4.5 percent.

The governor on Wednesday reiterated his call for upgrading the state's aging transportation system during an annual "Transportation Day" event at the Statehouse.

He later told reporters that he'd consider any alternative suggestions that might come from lawmakers for raising revenue, but would not be open to any plan that did not provide sufficient funds for transportation and education.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.