Ballot Question 3 proposes decreasing the Massachusetts sales tax from 6.25% to 3% beginning in 2011. This would create a $2.5 billion deficit and funding cuts for schools, law enforcement, and other public services. Supporters argue it could stimulate the economy by increasing consumer spending, while opponents worry it will lead to job losses and negatively impact the quality of education. With valid arguments on both sides, the document urges voters to carefully consider the complex issue before casting their ballots.

1. Student Perspective: Ballot Questions 3
By: Courtney Denning
10/4/2010
Salem, Mass. -- Ballot Question 3 proposes a law stating that the sales tax in Massachusetts will
be decreased from 6.25% to 3% beginning January 1, 2011. Common concerns about this cut
include loss of municipal jobs like law enforcement and teachers, and a huge loss of funding for
public schools. With the economy already struggling to meet the financial needs of schools in
Massachusetts, many worry that this law will make it nearly impossible to get an education at a
public school, never mind continue on to college. Current college students worry that the
rumors of a large increase in tuition at state and community colleges will put them in debt for
life. With Governor Deval Patrick (D), and candidates for Governor Charles Baker (R) and Tim
Cahill (I) opposing this idea, it doesn’t seem like a very smart move. But many citizens of
Massachusetts want it to pass, and plan to vote for it.
Question 3, sponsored by the Alliance to Roll Back Taxes headed by Carla Howell, is projected
to create a $2.5 billion deficit in our budget here in Massachusetts, which looks like it will fall
mostly onto the already financially strapped communities. Kristen Doherty, a student at Salem
State University, said that her sister is a teacher and her whole family plans to vote no. “People
in Massachusetts are looking for a short term fix. Obviously household appliances and cars
might be cheaper and people might get alcohol for less,” she said, “but many will lose their job
over this. The economy is bad enough – there’s no use in worrying about that extra 3% they’ll
spend on that bottle of liquor they don’t need.” The Massachusetts Teachers Association is
coming together to raise money to fight this law from being passed. The site that they linked to,
votenoquestion3.com, shows what every city in Massachusetts is likely to lose, in dollars, next
year. Boston could lose over $43 million, Springfield, $34 million and Worcester, $26 million.
The already struggling city of Lynn could lose a whopping $16 million or more. Even with labor
unions and the teachers association fighting these cuts, it could be a close vote.
Many of the people who want this law are the owners of small businesses, like liquor stores,
who say that they lose many customers to the New Hampshire exemption on liquor sales tax.
Question 1 on this year’s ballot will try to get the same exemption here. The projected loss for
the state in tax money is $100 million, which currently supports addiction treatment.
Northeastern University student, Erica Scola, said “not that many people will actually drive to
New Hampshire unless they’re buying in bulk, which most people don’t. It’s just a waste with
gas to get there and time spent.” But many of the supporters of both of these ballot questions
disagree, thinking that the laws will be a good thing to help stimulate the economy. “It might
get people to spend more money,” said Michelle Boudreau, mother of five. “That could
definitely stimulate the economy.”
There are many different opinions coming from different places and obviously there is a lot to
think about before going to vote. There are many ways to look at Question 3, both positive and
negative. It could cause more spending and stimulation of the national economy with the
money people will save on tax, but it could cause local jobs to be lost and schooling to suffer.
With many points to think about and discuss before heading to the ballot on November 2nd,
voters need to be sure to give this particular question a lot of thought.