Because I can?

[lauradi7dw]

I am almost done with my taxes. Massachusetts offers the option to pay a higher rate than the default for one's income. Apparently almost nobody does it (it's optional) but I am fascinated. My MA income taxes would still be lower than my local property taxes (which is what pays for the town schools, library, and fire department, among other things). What do my state taxes pay for? Should I file at the required rate, then set aside the difference and do donations directly to state parks or something?