Questions: 1 – YES • 2 – NO • 3 – NO • 4 – YES

Question #1: Vote “YES” to stop the new law going into effect for automatic gas tax increase

The legislators voted to enact a law to take effect January 1st that would give automatic tax increases on the gas tax and those increases are to be connected to the CPI (Consumer Price Index) every year.   The problem is that it is automatic and we will have no say in either increasing it, or leaving it alone or even decreasing it. The law they propose allows no decrease in the gas tax. Accordingly, we already pay for each gallon 26.5 cents in state gas tax and another 18.4 cents for the federal tax, so that every time you go to the gas pump you have to spend about $6.73 for taxes for every 15 gallons purchased. Of course the legislators want us to go along with it. What is even worse is that they, along with AAA, are telling us to vote “YES,” and even using scare tactics in their commercials. Nowhere in the proposed law does it say what the money is going towards, never mind having new streets, highways and bridges. This law would just automatically increase taxes every year. Imagine, this happens every year and the legislators can in all good conscience say they did not vote for the increase because it is the law. Either way, AAA or the legislators must think we are stupid. The ad by AAA is misleading. Ask yourself what happens to the existing .44 cents per gallon. Where does it go? You might be surprised at the whole answer. If, for nothing else, we think our legislators should not make any tax automatic. They should go on record each year and then have the courage to make the revenue go towards improving our roads and bridges. If you agree then vote “YES” to remove this law. Check out the web site http://www.tankthegastax.org.

Question #2: Vote “NO” to expand the beverage container deposit law.

This law would expand the present deposit bottle bill from what we know today to include a host of other containers from non-alcoholic, non-carbonated drinks with certain exceptions. This is just another money grab by the state. We already have a waste program, you know the large green barrels that were given for free, and we are saving individually without paying the deposit. We think a “NO” vote would be sensible to keep this law off the books. A “NO” vote is good for consumers in the long run. Check out the web site http://www.noonquestion2.com.

Question #3: Vote “NO” to do away with current law for gaming and casinos

We lose over a billion dollars to Connecticut and Rhode Island gaming casinos with Massachusetts residents driving down there or taking buses that leave the city and state every week. We believe this law, which was enacted for the casinos that have already been planned for both Everett and Springfield, would create a boom for construction and permanent jobs for both areas. Springfield is desperately in need of this boost to help pick up their economy. We also think that tax revenues for both local communities and the state will benefit greatly, which is why the law was enacted in the first place. We support keeping those estimated billions of dollars here in Massachusetts. We also think to vote this law out at this stage would be harmful to all concern right now. As far a casino in Everett is concerned, we think it will not hurt our area or tax base at all. We think it will help to make the Assembly Row area even better. We think voting “YES” now would be the wrong thing to do. Casting a “NO” vote is the right thing to do. Check out the web site http://www.protectmassjobs.com.

Question #4: Vote “YES” on this proposed law, earned sick time for employees

This proposed law would require employers with certain conditions (companies with 11 or more workers) to offer earned sick time. A “yes” vote will allow workers in Massachusetts to earn up to 40 hours of sick time a year to take care of their own or a family member’s health. Workers would earn one hour of sick time for every 30 hours worked. They can use their sick time only after working for 90 days. A “yes” vote for this initiative is a fair and equitable solution for a worker who otherwise might have to choose between losing a day’s pay or staying home to take care of their health or a family member’s health. Voting “YES” on this question is the right thing to do. Check out the web site http://www.raiseupma.org.