Spotted At Big Y: Signature Collectors Pushing For Mass. Tax Cut And Government Transparency

If you stopped at Big Y in Pittsfield today, you may have noticed two manned booths set up near the entrance collecting signatures. Those weren't for a local fundraiser. They were gathering signatures for ballot initiatives that could end up in front of every Massachusetts voter this November 3.

So what are they actually asking for?

The first initiative would lower the state income tax rate from 5% to 4%. It would not happen all at once, the cut would be phased in over four years, which supporters say makes it more manageable for the state budget.

The second would require the state to send money back to taxpayers whenever there is a budget surplus. In other words, if Beacon Hill collects more than it spends, the extra has to come back to you instead of getting rolled into more government spending.

The third initiative focuses on public records. Massachusetts is one of the hardest states in the country to get government documents from. This proposal would change that by strengthening the public records law and making it easier for residents to get information they are legally entitled to.

To get on the November ballot, these initiatives need a large number of signatures from registered Massachusetts voters. That is why you are seeing collectors set up in busy spots like grocery store entrances, they need to hit their numbers before the deadline.

What does Governor Maura Healey have to say about the proposed drop in tax percentage?

It doesn't make sense for residents, it doesn't make things more affordable, and it actually hurts business interests because you're not going to see the investments that we've been able to make. I really want the public to understand how catastrophic this would be to Massachusetts. -ballotpedia.org

You do not have to decide anything right now. But if someone approaches you with a clipboard, at least now you know what you are being asked to support.

These are the kinds of questions that can directly affect how much you pay in taxes and how much information your government has to share with you.