Question 1: to pay or not to pay

October 17, 3:09 PMBoston Young Democrats ExaminerDan McDowell

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On November 4th, you won't only be voting for a new leader for this nation, but on issues the people have brought to attention and have reached the ballot. The first ballot question this November will likely determine the economic future of the commonwealth.

Question one is an initiative to end the state income tax, cutting the state budget by over 12 billion dollars (or 40%). The passage of this initiative would mean law makers would have to make those cuts to the state budget (try it yourself here). Proponents of the initiative argue this will force the government to end waste and force the state to cut programs or make them run efficiently. These aims are admirable, and I agree the state needs to cut down on spending and run more efficiently.

However, eliminating the income tax will only hurt the commonwealth and its residents. The revenue cut caused by the loss of the income tax will lead to severe cuts for public education and in local aid (65% or more in most communities according to the opposition). Public higher education will also be dealt a severe blow. The UMass system will be forced to cut numerous programs and services as well as raise fees so students pay more for less. UMass economics professors estimate that for UMass Amherst to keep up the current level of services, tuition and fees would need to be raised by an estimated $5,372. This was released as a flyer on the UMass Amherst campus and includes opposition of the measure by the UMass Amherst Student Government Association, the University Staff Association, the Massachusetts Society of Professors, and the Graduate Employee Association.  The UMass Boston undergraduate student senate is also expected to vote on a resolution against this measure on Wednesday.

Cuts will not just affect higher education, but also local services, including police and fire departments, libraries, disabled persons services, and more.  When the current state of the economy is factored in, the state's revenue is already going to drop significantly, and the state is already being forced to make emergency budget cuts. Factor in a loss of revenue from the income tax, and state and local officials will be pressured to raise taxes elsewhere to make up the discrepancy in revenue in order to continue necessary projects.

That being said, I urge you all to vote no on question 1; it will do nothing but harm the state and its residents.

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