Massachusetts Tax Collections About $1 Billion Above Forecasts

BOSTON (AP) — Tax collections are on a bit of a roll in Massachusetts as the state budget takes shape.

State officials say revenues for the fiscal year that ends June 30 are now running nearly $1 billion, or about 4%, above official forecasts.

The powerful Senate Ways and Means Committee is preparing for a vote Tuesday on a spending plan for the next fiscal year. The full House approved its version of the budget last month.

Senate President Karen Spilka says the improved revenue picture is good news, but she and other state leaders caution that much of the recent spike in tax collections may be attributed to one-time factors.

Some Democratic lawmakers and activists believe Massachusetts must raise taxes or find other new revenue sources to address transportation, education and other needs.

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