A Feast of Fees? Mass. Residents Aren’t Giving Thanks for High Costs, New Taxes

The rising cost of living remains a top concern for Massachusetts residents — and Thanksgiving tables across the Commonwealth aren’t exactly getting a free side of gravy this year. In fact, recent polling from MOA suggests Bay State families are bracing for a holiday that could carve deeper into their wallets than seasons past.

A full 71% of voters believe it will be more expensive to cook Thanksgiving dinner at home this year than last. Despite recent reports that the overall cost of the classic turkey dinner has actually dropped, it seems residents aren’t personally feeling those savings at the register. The discrepancy between data and public sentiment suggests recent price dips don’t negate years of steep grocery bills, which remain about 30% higher than before the pandemic. 

And while post–Turkey Day sales are usually the moment shoppers flock to “gobble up” discounts, many are planning to cool their spending instead. Nearly half of respondents (47%) say they plan to spend less on Black Friday and Cyber Monday than last year, while only 18% expect to spend more.

With this level of economic uncertainty, it’s no wonder residents are wary of policies that could stuff even less money into their pockets.

One recent proposal from Governor Healey would allow cities and towns to raise or create new local taxes. The measure would permit communities to impose a 5% surcharge on motor vehicles, boost local lodging taxes by 16%, and increase local meals taxes by 33%. According to MOA’s polling, 72% of respondents aren’t exactly thankful for this proposal and oppose it outright.

This level of pushback doesn’t suggest much appetite for another tax hike simmering in the legislature. Another newly proposed bill would create a “2% excise tax on the sale of alcohol in Massachusetts bars, restaurants, and liquor stores.” The tax would be optional for municipalities, and the proceeds would fund addiction and recovery programs.

But residents who have already reached their fill of high taxes aren’t lining up for more. In a recent interview, one Boston resident said, “I don’t think we need to be taxed more than we already are.” Another added, “We struggle now as it is for everything we have to buy. To add more taxes just doesn’t make sense.”

More than 80% of Massachusetts residents already believe taxes are too high. At a time when households are gearing up for a high-priced holiday season, piling on even more fees is just putting coal in Bay Staters’ stockings before the tree is even up.

Fortunately, two MOA-inspired ideas that would cut taxes and put more money back in taxpayers’ pockets are headed for the 2026 ballot — offering a chance to pass some much-needed relief around the table. These ideas could be just the gift residents are hoping for to ease their financial heartburn, and set our state’s economy back on a steadier course.