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Massachusetts Question 1 would increase taxes on people earning more than $1 million and use the revenue to improve education and transportation.
Supporters argue that Question 1 would benefit residents with modest incomes.
Opponents argue it would make the wealthy consider leaving the state.
A “yes” on Massachusetts Question 1 would provide a tax hike on incomes over $1 million.
Ballot measure details
Known as the Tax on Income Above $1 Million for Education and Transportation Amendment, Massachusetts Question 1 would add an additional 4% tax on individuals bringing in more than $1 million. The current tax rate for those making over $1 million is 5%, so the full rate would rise to 9%.
The revenue from the tax would be allocated to public education, roads, bridges, and public transportation. If passed, the amendment would be added to the state’s constitution.
A January study published by The Center for State Policy Analysis at Tufts University found that the revenue from the amendment would bring in the state an additional $1.3 billion in 2023. It also found that only 0.6% of Massachusetts households would be affected by the amendment.
Support and opposition
Fair Share Massachusetts is leading the campaign in support of the measure. Supporters argue that Question 1 would benefit Bay Staters with more modest incomes.
“The Massachusetts economy is working great for those in the upper 1%. The time is now for all Massachusetts residents to reap the benefits of what this great state can accomplish with the revenue of the Fair Share Amendment,” said state Rep. James O’Day, according to MassLive.
The Coalition to Stop the Tax Hike Amendment is leading the campaign against the proposal. Opponents argue the tax hike would make the wealthy consider leaving the state and that it’s unfair to upper-class earners.
Massachusetts Republican Party Chairman Jim Lyons called the amendment “a blatant cash grab masquerading as class warfare.” Lyons also said that “Massachusetts doesn’t have a revenue problem. It has a spending problem,” according to MassLive.
The money race
The measure has attracted about $21.3 million in pro-Massachusetts Question 1 contributions and more than $9.9 million in opposition contributions, according to Ballotpedia.