Massachusetts

I pay the millionaire’s tax in Massachusetts. I’ve thought about moving my family away, but I’m staying for my kids.

Published

3 months ago

January 15, 2026

I pay the millionaire’s tax in Massachusetts. I’ve thought about moving my family away, but I’m staying for my kids.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Sam Slater, a 41-year-old real estate developer based in Boston. It’s been edited for length and clarity.

I was born in South Florida, where my parents and uncle currently live, and I moved to Massachusetts when I was 10 years old.

I run our family office, which is based in both Boston and Palm Beach, Florida. We have business ventures across multiple industries, but my focus is on our real estate portfolio. From light industrial to agricultural to multifamily real estate, we’re well-diversified across many states in the US, as well as Canada.

It’s been interesting to see an increase in national interest in the Massachusetts millionaire’s tax as some initiatives in other states come up. I have friends in other markets who have been asking about it. Since its implementation in 2023, the obvious question to me is, why wouldn’t I move back to Florida?

The truth is, I often think about moving, but I feel strongly about why I’m staying. It’s all for my kids.

I’ve witnessed wealthy friends leave Massachusetts after the state tax

In addition to my focus on real estate, I also work in the sports and entertainment industry. I hold a minority ownership stake in the Seattle Kraken, an NHL team, and last year, I joined the ownership group of the Memphis Grizzlies. I’m very active in the world of sport, and it’s been a really enjoyable and successful venture. Over the past 15 years, I’ve also produced over 40 feature films.

With the progression of state taxes in the last few years, particularly the millionaire tax, I’ve seen many people, including friends in the hedge fund, private equity, and finance spaces, move or confirm their plans to do so. However, I’m in a slightly different situation.

I want my kids to grow up in Massachusetts

I have two younger children, a 7 and 10-year-old, and I would prefer them to grow up here with all that Massachusetts has to offer.

We live in a town with a wonderful public school system, and I don’t want to take that away from them. More broadly, eastern Massachusetts and Boston, in particular, are highly accessible areas and offer a lot. We’ve got everything from sports to culture, and all four seasons. I don’t want to pull my kids from that for my desire to pay less in taxes.

If my children weren’t young, maybe my answer would be different.

I’d consider moving if things keep trending in this direction

It’s difficult to say if any changes I’ve seen in Massachusetts are a direct result of this particular tax. The broader market conditions in the economy are, in certain areas, quite strong, while in other areas, they are not.

If you take condominium sales in downtown Boston, we’re at extraordinarily low points both for pricing and velocity, especially if we’re looking back on a 10 or 15-year horizon. I think it would probably be a stretch to say it’s solely because of this tax, but high earners leaving Massachusetts removes potential high-end condominium buyers from the market.

The wealth tax in Massachusetts hasn’t affected my lifestyle

Fortunately, I haven’t had to make any lifestyle changes because of the wealth tax, but I’m certainly aware of the taxes I pay in general, specifically as a result of this tax. My question is, what will come next after this?

What remains to be seen is how the additional revenue brought in to Massachusetts from this tax will trickle back to everyone in the Commonwealth.

If taxes continue to increase and no one can point to any substantial changes being made in the state, I think that’s when we’ll see a more meaningful exodus of people, even potentially myself, from Massachusetts.

My hope is that the government will make smart choices as to where the additional revenue goes

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, our public transit system, has struggled for a long time, and it needs huge investments in its infrastructure and operations. Will we see a boost there? I don’t know.

There are two bridges that connect mainland Massachusetts to Cape Cod, and they’re nearly 100 years old. They were going to be replaced at a multi-billion-dollar cost, but some of the funding was cut due to the Trump Administration. Will we see some help for those projects?

I’m wondering if there’s anything that will be done to truly help move us forward, rather than just keep us afloat with the existing programs we have at the state budget level. I think more people who are paying the millionaire’s tax would be on board if there were a more complete message about how the tax dollars would be used.

It’s certainly something that people are watching and aware of, with good reason.

Do you have a story to share about paying a wealth tax? If so, please reach out to the reporter at tmartinelli@businessinsider.com.

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Massachusetts

Ben & Jerry’s is giving out free ice cream today. Where in Massachusetts?

Published

10 hours ago

April 14, 2026

Press Room

Ben & Jerry’s is giving out free ice cream today. Where in Massachusetts?

Ben & Jerry’s is giving out free ice cream on April 14. On that day, ice cream lovers can walk into any participating shop and leave with dessert – no wallet required.

The Vermont-based company is preparing to serve up “1 million and one” scoops across 13 countries on Free Cone Day, a highly anticipated annual giveaway event, according to a Ben & Jerry’s press release.

“Free Cone Day is all about our fans. It’s our way of saying thank you with an international moment of togetherness,” CEO Jochanan Senf said in a statement.

The Free Cone Day tradition began in 1979, after the ice cream company’s first year of business in Burlington, and has continued to grow ever since.

Here’s where to get a free scoop of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream this year in Massachusetts.

When is Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day 2026?

This year, Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day is on Tuesday, April 14. The free ice cream is typically given out at Ben & Jerry’s scoop shops between noon and 8 p.m., though some shops may vary.

How Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day works

Customers can visit any participating Ben & Jerry’s scoop shop to receive a free cup or cone of ice cream, according to the company’s website. You can pick whichever flavor you want. No purchase is required.

“There’s no catch and no fine print,” Ben & Jerry’s said on the website.

While there may be a line outside your local Ben & Jerry’s scoop shop on Free Cone Day, it will likely move quickly because staff don’t need to ring up orders.

And the best part? Customers can get back in line as many times as they’d like. In fact, it’s actually encouraged, according to a Ben & Jerry’s press release.

“So, if fans are stuck choosing between a classic flavor like Chocolate Fudge Brownie and Cookie Dough, or a Scoop Shop exclusive like Marshmallow Sky, Sweet Cream & Cookies or Mint Chocolate Chunk, they needn’t worry. Why choose just one, when they can try them all!” the company said.

Participating Ben & Jerry’s locations in MA

At least 17 Ben & Jerry’s locations in Massachusetts participate in Free Cone Day. Here are their addresses and special Free Cone Day hours:

Boston – Faneuil Hall: 8 North Market St., Bay 22, North Market, Boston, MA 02109 (12 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
Boston – Fenway: 61 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215 (12 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
Boston – Newbury Street: 174 Newbury St.,Boston, MA 02116 (12 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
Boston – Prudential Center: 800 Boylston St., Prudential Center, Boston, MA 02199 (12 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
Boston – Quincy Market: 4 South Market St., Boston, MA 02109 (12 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
Boston – Seaport: 83 Seaport Boulevard,Boston, MA 02110 (12 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
Braintree – South Shore Plaza: 30 Forbes Road,Braintree, MA 02184 (12 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
Cambridge – Harvard Square: 35 JFK St., Cambridge, MA 02138 (12 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
Cambridge – Porter Square: 59 White St., Cambridge, MA 02140 (12 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
Hingham – Derby Street: 92 Derby St., #113, Hingham, MA 02043 (12 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
Hyannis: 352 Main St., Hyannis, MA 02601 (12 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
Marlboro: 187 Boston Post Road West, Marlboro, MA 01752 (12 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
Natick: 1265 Worcester St., Route 9 West, Natick, MA 01760 (12 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
North Eastham: 50 Brackett Road, North Eastham, MA 02651 (12 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
Pittsfield: 79 South St., Pittsfield, MA 01201 (12 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
South Deerfield – Yankee Candle Company: 25 Greenfield Road, South Deerfield, MA 01373 (12 p.m. to 6 p.m.)
Watertown – Arsenal Yards: 103 Arsenal Yards Boulevard, Watertown, MA 02472 (12 p.m. to 8 p.m.)

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Massachusetts

20 years later: How Massachusetts health care reform changed access

Published

23 hours ago

April 14, 2026

Press Room

20 years later: How Massachusetts health care reform changed access

This week marks 20 years since Massachusetts passed a landmark health care reform law that reshaped how residents access medical care and helped pave the way for national changes.Signed on April 12, 2006, the Massachusetts health care reform law — often referred to as “Romneycare” — expanded insurance coverage through a combination of Medicaid expansion, subsidized private plans, and an individual mandate requiring most residents to carry insurance. According to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the law led to one of the highest insured rates in the country, with coverage now exceeding 97% of residents.Two decades later, doctors say the impact is still being felt, especially when it comes to how patients enter and navigate the health system.Dr. Daniel Chandler, a primary care physician and associate chief medical information officer at Tufts Medical Center, says the law fundamentally changed access to care.“Health insurance really allows people to have a primary care doctor and a medical home,” Chandler said. “And the alternative to that is often the emergency department, which can be very expensive.” With expanded coverage, more residents are now able to see primary care providers, allowing for earlier intervention and preventive care.Chandler says that shift can make a significant difference.“You can get some necessary screening done and preventive care when it’s relatively easy to fix and it’s less expensive,” he said.Despite high coverage rates, affordability remains a top issue for many patients.“Patients complain about cost all the time,” Chandler said, noting that premiums are only part of the financial burden. “Often, there’s a lot of co-pays that can add up if you choose the wrong plan.”For patients, navigating insurance options can be overwhelming, especially during limited enrollment periods.“The topic is incredibly complex,” Chandler said. “If you have resources like family members or friends who are knowledgeable, I always recommend that you ask them.” Doctors warn that financial pressure can lead patients to delay or skip treatment — a decision that can have long-term consequences.“It can be really catastrophic to avoid treatment,” Chandler said. “If a problem is easy to fix early, that can get more difficult and more expensive over time if you don’t fix it early.”To help address those challenges, many health systems — including Tufts Medicine — now offer support services such as social workers and pharmacy teams to help patients find lower-cost medications, financial assistance or other resources.

NEEDHAM, Mass. —

This week marks 20 years since Massachusetts passed a landmark health care reform law that reshaped how residents access medical care and helped pave the way for national changes.

Signed on April 12, 2006, the Massachusetts health care reform law — often referred to as “Romneycare” — expanded insurance coverage through a combination of Medicaid expansion, subsidized private plans, and an individual mandate requiring most residents to carry insurance. According to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the law led to one of the highest insured rates in the country, with coverage now exceeding 97% of residents.

Two decades later, doctors say the impact is still being felt, especially when it comes to how patients enter and navigate the health system.

Dr. Daniel Chandler, a primary care physician and associate chief medical information officer at Tufts Medical Center, says the law fundamentally changed access to care.

“Health insurance really allows people to have a primary care doctor and a medical home,” Chandler said. “And the alternative to that is often the emergency department, which can be very expensive.”

With expanded coverage, more residents are now able to see primary care providers, allowing for earlier intervention and preventive care.

Chandler says that shift can make a significant difference.

“You can get some necessary screening done and preventive care when it’s relatively easy to fix and it’s less expensive,” he said.

Despite high coverage rates, affordability remains a top issue for many patients.

“Patients complain about cost all the time,” Chandler said, noting that premiums are only part of the financial burden. “Often, there’s a lot of co-pays that can add up if you choose the wrong plan.”

For patients, navigating insurance options can be overwhelming, especially during limited enrollment periods.

“The topic is incredibly complex,” Chandler said. “If you have resources like family members or friends who are knowledgeable, I always recommend that you ask them.”

Doctors warn that financial pressure can lead patients to delay or skip treatment — a decision that can have long-term consequences.

“It can be really catastrophic to avoid treatment,” Chandler said. “If a problem is easy to fix early, that can get more difficult and more expensive over time if you don’t fix it early.”

To help address those challenges, many health systems — including Tufts Medicine — now offer support services such as social workers and pharmacy teams to help patients find lower-cost medications, financial assistance or other resources.

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Massachusetts

USPS Worker Pinned Under Mail Truck After Massachusetts Crash Lucky To Be Alive, Fire Chief Says

Published

1 day ago

April 13, 2026

Press Room

USPS Worker Pinned Under Mail Truck After Massachusetts Crash Lucky To Be Alive, Fire Chief Says

April 13, 2026

First responders say a United States Postal Service worker is lucky to be a live after a crash in Medway Friday that left her trapped under her mail truck.

Shortly before 11:20 a.m., police say a red pickup truck driving along Main Street struck the postal truck from behind. The mail carrier inside the postal truck was leaning out to deliver mail at the time.

The crash sent the truck rolling into the mulch of a nearby front lawn.

A USPS worker was pinned under her truck following a crash in Medway/CBS Boston

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