Gonzalez Wants To Tax Mass.' Richest Colleges To Get Transportation, Education Funds

Jay Gonzalez, the Democrat challenging Gov. Charlie Baker in this year's gubernatorial election, says he has big plans, should he be elected.

Gonzalez says he wants to invest in education, a single-payer heath care system, green technology and transportation infrastructure.

On Tuesday, Gonzalez proposed a 1.6 percent tax on private higher education institutions with endowments greater than $1 billion. He estimates the plan would generate $1 billion in tax revenue.

While Gonzalez has received support from some, he's also drawn heavy criticism.

"Our colleges and universities are clear drivers of the Massachusetts economy. Undercutting their ability to attract talent, to provide financial aid for students across the state, and to conduct breakthrough research is simply irresponsible," Richard Doherty, president of The Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts, said in a statement Tuesday.

The proposal would so far levy a tax on nine schools in the state. They are Harvard, which has a $36 billion endowment, Boston University, Boston College, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Tufts University, Smith College, Wellesley College, Williams College and Amherst College.

Jay Gonzalez, Democratic gubernatorial nominee. He tweets @jay4ma.

Richard Doherty, president of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts. He tweets@AICUM_Pres.