Oct 28 2008
Massachusetts Question 1–Vote NO
Today I just wanted to talk about Question 1 because the election is fast approaching and there are many people that do not have a clear understanding of what this entails.
Question 1 is a proposed law that would decrease Massachusetts state income tax to 2.65% starting January 1, 2009 and completely eliminate the state income tax starting January 1, 2010.
If you vote yes: you are voting to reduce state tax and then completely eliminate it.
If you vote no, you are voting to keep state tax the way that it is right now.
I understand that times are hard for everyone right now and the prospect of not having to pay state tax may sound like a good idea, but if this passes, here is what will happen:
1. 68,000 state employees could be laid-off
2. police departments and public schools will lose funding
3. roads and bridges won’t receive the up-keep required to keep them safe
4. There will be limited health-care access for seniors and people with disabilities.
7. There may be longer emergency room waits
Please vote “no” on your ballots. With non-profit organizations/social service agencies recently taking a major budget cut, we can’t afford to take this chance.
Really, I think it is too bad that all states can’t abolish state tax. Florida has been successfully operating without a state tax for years. I figure it all has to do with tourism and government projects.
If MA, could bulk up on tourism or state income generating activities, they wouldn’t have to pass the costs on to their residents. I don’t know what your state tax is now…but WV is 6% on goods and 5% on foods…and I think it is ridiculously high. It just seems like there is more and more “good, healthy” food that I can’t buy because it is simply too expensive to fit into our budget. Maybe if they would just do away with food tax…and eliminate vehicles as property. They shouldn’t be taxed similar to a house…..they are not meant to be lived in…and unfortunately many people in America are living in their cars…..shame shame on America.