By Bob Katzen
The Revenue Committee held a hearing on a measure that would give Massachusetts residents the option, on their Massachusetts income tax form, to contribute to a special United Nations Fund — the Least Developed Countries Fund — to help developing countries cope with the effects of global warming.

Supporters say the state income tax form currently features six “tax check-off” options that give residents the option, when filing their state income tax return, to contribute all or part of their tax refund to various causes.

Sen. Mike Barrett (D-Lexington), the sponsor of the bill, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call to explain why he filed the bill.

“Sen. Barrett’s idea is incredibly silly and just shows how out of touch some lawmakers become when they get elected,” said Paul Craney, executive director of the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance. “As ratepayers see their utility and energy bills increase by 30 to 50 percent to fund climate mandates passed by the Legislature, the senator wants to send more money to the climate causes.”

PUBLIC HEARINGS ON TAX HIKES AND NEW TAXES (S 2057) – Another bill heard by the Judiciary Committee would require the House and Senate Committees on Ways and Means to hold at the least three public hearings in Boston, Worcester and Springfield on any legislation referred to them that would increase or expand any existing taxes or fees or establish any new taxes or fees. Each hearing would require at least fourteen days’ notice to ensure that the public has sufficient time to prepare.

“I am sponsoring this bill because transparency of where taxpayer dollars are going between the Legislature and the public are of the utmost importance currently,” said sponsor Sen. Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth). “The sense of trust and understanding between lawmakers and taxpayers sought by this legislation is only possible through thoughtful action to include everyone in the legislative process.”