By Bob Katzen

On July 6, the Revenue Committee gave a favorable report to and recommended passage of 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. The Senate then sent the measure to the Ways and Means Committee where it has languished.

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. They said helping other countries deal with the effects of global warming is a worthy cause.

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

“This demonstrates the priorities of the Massachusetts Legislature,” said Paul Craney, executive director of the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance. “What taxpayers desperately need are broad-based tax cuts and eliminations, not gimmicky stunts to send taxpayer money overseas. While Sen. Barrett may seek the praise of European elites, he is doing this at the expense of ordinary Massachusetts working people.”