Yes Vote on Massachusetts Question 1 Is ‘Forever,’ Warns Tax Group

Citizens for Limited Taxation (CLT) is warning voters to be weary of political slogans and campaign ads concerning Massachusetts Ballot Question 1 on the November 8 state ballot.

"Question 1 would create a four percent tax on the portion of a person's annual income above $1 million and require – in the state constitution – that the funds be spent only on transportation and public education," according to Fair Share for Massachusetts.

"Only people who earn more than $1 million annually will pay more; 99 percent of us won't pay a penny more," the group said.

Fair Share for Massachusetts called its ballot initiative the "Fair Share Amendment" or a "Millionaires Tax," which suggests that some are not carrying their share of the tax load.

According to the Tax Foundation, "Massachusetts has a flat 5.00 percent individual income tax rate. Massachusetts has an 8.00 percent corporate income tax rate. Massachusetts has a 6.25 percent state sales tax rate and does not levy local sales taxes."

Citizens for Limited Taxation director Chip Ford said Question 1 amends the Massachusetts Constitution to allow lawmakers to raise taxes.

"It's forever," Ford said. "As a constitutional amendment, it can never be changed without approval by the legislature."

Ford said Question 1 changes the Massachusetts tax structure from a flat tax system to a progressive tax system.

"Voters rejected graduated income tax amendments five times already. What part of 'no' don't they understand?" he said. "With multi-billions in excess revenue over-taxation, when is more-than-enough enough?"

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court struck down an attempt to place the Fair Share Amendment on the 2018 statewide ballot because it addressed two different issues, the establishment of a tax and earmarking the revenue for transportation and public education.

A different version of the amendment passed SJC muster this year and was approved by the Massachusetts Legislature.