THE INITIATIVE TO REPEAL THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE INCOME TAX seems to be gathering some steam. “For the second time in six years, voters are being asked at the ballot box whether the state should abolish its income tax. In 2002, a similar measure got about 45 percent of the vote. So this time, both sides are taking the matter very seriously. Massachusetts taxpayer groups are raising funds to wage an anti-tax campaign, while others — led by top state officials, including Gov. Deval Patrick — are campaigning against the proposal.”
Yes, below is exclusive video of the meeting at the Governor’s Mansion where the subject was discussed:
Meanwhile, here’s more from WBUR:
It may be the biggest tax revolt in Massachusetts since the Boston Tea Party. In November, voters could wipe the state’s personal income tax off the books.
Supporters call the measure, which is on the ballot as “Question 1,” a much-needed break for ordinary people.
And Jeff Jacoby has weighed in, too:
WHEN IT COMES to stopping Question 1 – the ballot initiative to abolish the Massachusetts income tax – the defenders of the status quo will spare no rhetorical expense. Months ago, Governor Deval Patrick called the prospect of Massachusetts without an income tax “a dumb idea” reminiscent of Darfur. The National Education Association, one of the public-employee unions bankrolling the Vote No campaign, condemns Question 1 as “reckless.” Michael Widmer, head of the business-backed Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, labels it “a calamity.” To the Globe’s editorial board, it’s “a blunt budget ax.” Equally scathing is the Berkshire Eagle’s description: “devastating . . . simplistic . . . cynical . . . a recipe for disaster.” Robert Haynes, president of the state AFL-CIO, foresees “the end of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as we know it.”
To their credit, most of the measure’s opponents have steered clear of the incendiary type of language used by Frederick Rushton, the Worcester city councilor who has slammed Question 1 as an “urban lynching by statute.” But there are still four weeks until Election Day, and the anti-repeal forces will not lack for energy or imagination in making sure their message is heard.
Most of the people complaining live, directly or indirectly, off the taxpayers’ dime, of course. And they’re pledging a campaign of “massive resistance.”
If passed, Question 1 would also cost lawmakers about $11 billion in annual revenues.
Speaker of the House Sal DiMasi has suggested he would not let the question become law even if it was passed by voters. . . . To those who feed at the Bay State’s public trough, the rest of us exist primarily to pay taxes. Their need for more of our income is always a given.
Dammit, they’re entitled to that money. Who are the voters to suggest otherwise?
Meanwhile, the proponents are styling it a “taxpayer bailout.” Hey, bailouts are all the rage! Here’s more on the subject from Cato, and here’s an interview we did with activist Carla Howell a few weeks ago. And here’s a report on this weekend’s rally at Faneuil Hall.