Inflation In Key Sectors Hitting MA Harder Than Rest Of Country: Study

MASSACHUSETTS — Inflation drove prices of energy, gasoline and other sectors higher in Massachusetts than the national average, according to a study released Wednesday by the Beacon Hill Institute.

"With only days to go in the legislative session, it’s so important for our legislative leadership and the Governor to keep their focus on helping the middle class by reducing the tax burden through broad middle class tax relief. Right now, we could be doing more for them, but there is resistance by leadership," said state Rep. David DeCoste, a Norwll Republican. "For my constituents who live outside of the Boston area, the cost of everything is only going up and these middle class pockets of Massachusetts need our help."

Researchers at the think tank, which advocates for free markets and limited government, found electricity costs in Massachusetts rose 14.5 percent between March 2021 and March 2022. During the same time, national electricity prices increased 11.1 percent. Other areas where inflation since the start of 2021 has hit Massachusetts harder than the national average include:

In a news conference Wednesday, the Fiscal Alliance Foundation warned costs of everyday goods could increase even more dramatically if state lawmakers approve an income tax increase on top earners and small businesses and "would bring unintended harm to the state economy that is likely facing an inflation induced recession. "

"Families and middle class working people are struggling," said state Rep. Colleen Garry, a Democrat from Dracut. "I hope the Speaker and Senate President will provide some broad tax relief targeted to the middle class to help them with these inflated cost."

A full copy of the study is available here.