MA ballot questions 2008: vote NO on question 1
Tuesday, October 21st, 2008There will be three ballot questions facing voters this election cycle in my home state of MA. They are each important, but the one that will affect your money the most is question one.
What is question 1? Should MA eliminate personal income tax? Read more about this question on this page sponsored by the MA League of Women Voters.
Why should you vote no? Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayer Foundation, wrote an interesting opinion piece for the Boston Globe recently. In his article, Widmer brings to light the most serious potential consequence voting yes likely will bring about: higher property tax.
Massachusetts, already facing a budget shortfall, will have to make up lost income tax revenue from another source if this question passes. Sales tax will likely rise as well. The low-to-middle income home owner will suffer, and, according to Widmer,
“would likely end up paying more in taxes, just out of a different pocket. Meanwhile, the wealthier who pay a higher share of income taxes would get a big tax break.”
If you are undecided about how to vote, I encourage you to visit both pages linked to above.