Baker Hopes for Grand Bargain On Ballot Questions

BOSTON (AP) _ Charlie Baker is looking for a grand bargain on Beacon Hill.

The Republican governor told reporters this week that he's hoping to work with the backers of several ballot questions _ and with leaders of the Massachusetts House and Senate _ to hammer out a deal before the questions go to voters in November.

One reason for Baker's interest in a deal is basic math.

At least two of the proposed questions could have a dramatic effect on state revenues.

One question would reduce the state's 6.25 percent sales tax to 5 percent _ a loss of roughly $1 billion in annual state revenues.

Another proposed constitutional amendment, dubbed the ``millionaire tax,'' would impose a 4 percent surtax on any portion of an individual's annual income that exceeds $1 million.