Rep. Hunt to Serve on Tax Expenditure Commission

BOSTON – State Representative Randy Hunt has been appointed to serve on a newly-created Tax Expenditure Commission on Beacon Hill.

House Minority Leader Bradley Jones added the Sandwich Republican to the 12-member standing commission, which will work to evaluate the effectiveness and fiscal impact of state tax expenditures, and will develop a schedule providing for an ongoing review of all tax expenditures at least once every five years moving forward.

In announcing the appointment, Jones cited Representative Hunt’s extensive background in municipal finance and accounting.

“As a certified public accountant and former member of the Town of Sandwich’s Finance Committee, Randy is well-versed in the state’s tax laws and budget preparation,” said Representative Jones. “His expertise will be an asset to the commission as it works to ensure that state tax policies are being implemented effectively and efficiently.”

State law defines tax expenditures as state tax revenues foregone due to “exemptions, deferrals, deductions from or credits against taxes imposed on income, businesses and corporations, financial institutions, insurance and sales.” In addition to evaluating the fiscal impact and cost-effectiveness of state tax expenditures, the commission’s review will also take into consideration how these expenditures impact job creation and Massachusetts’ economic competitiveness on a regional and national basis.

The commission will file a report on its findings and recommendations every two years by March 1^st.

Representative Hunt represents the Fifth Barnstable District, which consists of the Town of Sandwich; Precincts 11 and 12 in Barnstable; Precincts 1, 2 and 7 in Bourne; and Precinct 9 in Plymouth. A member of the House of Representatives since 2011, he currently serves on the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing; the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy; and the Joint Committee on Transportation.