Letter to the Editor: Extended bottle bill is not a tax
Bottle deposit hike shouldn't be labeled a tax
Given that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts produces about six million tons of waste annually, I find it difficult to sympathize with Donald Sandefer's concern for the alleged impact an extended bottle bill would have on the "wealthy and upper-middle-class income residents." (Letters, Bottle Bill Expansion Just Another State Tax, Dec. 18)
Yes, former Gov. Patrick correctly asserts that such a bill would increase Massachusetts revenues but how can Mr. Sandefer label it a "tax?"
It is not imposed by the state. We, as citizens, can choose whether or not to purchase any of the wide array of beverages included in the bill. Furthermore if you don't want to pay such a "tax," redeem your containers.
Personally, I would rather see the state benefit from unredeemed containers than see them littering the landscape and endangering wildlife. Apparently, some value wealth and privilege more than they do those citizens who would benefit from increased state revenues that would fund education, social services and conservation programs.
Dana Franchitto, Wellfleet
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