VOTE NO on Questions 1, 2, and 3!

There are three Questions on the ballot on November 2nd that could destroy the fabric of our communities. People who rarely agree on certain issues agree how dangerous these proposals could be to our state. The Massachusetts AFL-CIO strongly urges its members to vote NO on Questions 1, 2, and 3. Please see below for more information on each reckless proposal.

  Question 1: Alcohol Tax-Question 1 proposes a special tax break on alcoholic beverages. Alcohol is not a necessity and therefore does not deserve a special tax exemption while all other products that are not necessities are taxed. Products that are necessities to life, like food, clothing, and prescription medications are exempt while cigarettes and alcohol are products that should have a tax. The tax on alcohol products is for funding of prevention and treatment programs and produces over $100 million in vital funding for those services. If this funding is taken away, residents who need help will have nowhere to turn to for assistance. Please, vote NO on Question 1 on November 2nd. Click Here for more information.

Question 2: Affordable Housing-Question 2 proposes to repeal state law Chapter 40B. This law produces moderate to low-income housing for working families and seniors of Massachusetts. It has created 80% of the affordable housing units built throughout the state. 58,000 homes have been created for working class families, senior citizens, veterans, and people with disabilities throughout the Commonwealth. If this law is repealed, it will immediately put a stop to the construction of 12,000 homes which means the related jobs and economic benefits are thrown away. Please, vote no on Question 2 on November 2nd. Click Here for more information.

Question 3: Sales Tax-Question 3 will be the most detrimental to the state of Massachusetts if passed. Question 3 proposes a drastic reduction of the state sales tax from 6.25% down to 3%. If passed, this will devastate our communities. The state of Massachusetts is currently $2 billion in debt. If Question 3 passes we will then be $2.5 billion MORE in debt than we are, resulting in a $4.5 billion deficit. $2.5 Billion is one half of all state spending on our 1,900 public schools. Massachusetts cannot handle a budget gap this wide, especially in a time like now where jobs are already being lost and our economy is in rough shape already. The state will have to cut tens of thousands of jobs throughout the commonwealth like firefighters, police officers, transportation employees, and teachers. Essential state services will be slashed. Bridges and roads will not get the maintenance they need. Classrooms will be even more crowded. Cities and towns will be forced to raise property taxes and seek overrides just to maintain everyday services.  Please, vote NO on Question 3 on November 2nd. Click Here for more information.