The Massachusetts House of Representatives does not want any difficulties in passing tax hikes and they don’t want you to see their votes in time to hold them accountable. That is what they said when they rejected a recent rule (34 Yeas, 121 Nays). The rule would have required a two-thirds roll call majority to approve any increases in taxes and would not have allowed any votes within 30 days of filing papers to seek a nomination for a seat on the Legislature. Do you remember folks, just a couple years ago, our esteemed Legislature passed a $1 Billion tax increase (that is billion…with a b) two days after the filing deadline? Do you think that maybe someone would have tried to run against the incumbent if they knew that incumbent would have a giant tax hike on their record to defend?  Further, the roll call and majority provisions would ensure they had to vote and get broad support for tax hikes.  Allowing us to see how our Reps vote and forcing overwhelming support (which in my opinion should be a basic requirement when it comes to taking more money from us) is just healthy transparency and good representative government.  My rep (David Decoste) voted in favor of it?  How about yours? https://malegislature.gov/Bills/189/House/H2015