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The recently proposed municipal relief package asks the Massachusetts Legislature to add a new tax on the communications infrastructure in the Commonwealth. While some may seek to create more municipal revenue, this proposal could cost Verizon as much as $100 million per year in new taxes.  Today, Verizon already pays a significant portion of the $500 million per year the entire communications industry pays in Massachusetts taxes.  This would have an adverse affect on our the entire communications industry and our consumers in the Commonwealth.  

For example, this proposal takes millions away from Verizon's effort to deliver new services such as FiOS to more customers. This slowdown could have a ripple effect on our economy, because it would deny access to new high-tech services – and the great jobs that accompany network growth – to thousands of Massachusetts residents.

Adding $100 million dollars to Verizon's costs only jeopardizes our ability to compete in the new telecom marketplace – especially if we are forced to pass this cost on to our customers.

Each of us has an important stake in this debate. Please send a letter to your state senators and representatives to tell them that penalizing Verizon and the other communications companies is no way to ease a budget shortfall. Sample letters are provided below for your convenience. Thank you for your support.