Watertown's State Lawmakers Worry About How to Pay for the Governor's Budget

Watertown's state legislators like the areas that the governor's budget proposal prioritizes — education and transportation — but they worry about how residents will be asked to pay for the budget.

The $34.8 billion budget filed by Gov. Deval Patrick on Wednesday includes an increase of the income tax along with a decrease in the sales tax, and has a focus on education and transportation.

State Sen. Will Brownsberger, D-Belmont, agreed with the governor that money should be used to boost public transportation.

"Like most legislators and most careful observers, and in fact, most leaders in the business community, I am convinced that we have to substantially increase our investment in transportation infrastructure, especially the MBTA," Brownsbuerger said. "I like most of the Governor's ideas about particular investments in transportation."

Finding a way to pay for the investment in transportation and other areas will not be easy, he added. 

"I'm not sure what the fairest approach to raising needed funds is or how many of those other needs we can address this year," Brownsberger said. "There will be a robust debate over the next few months."

State Rep. John Lawn, D-Watertown, said he knows the importance of investing in education and other areas, but has heard from many residents who worry about rising taxes. 

"I'm concerned people have just had enough [taxes]," Lawn said.