No on Question 1

THE GLOBE published a lengthy editorial strongly opposing Question 1 on Sept. 28, and nothing in the interim has changed our view. In fact, the current economic crisis only underlines the case against eliminating the state income tax. Question 1 would starve state government of 40 percent of its revenue - more than $12 billion - and give the biggest breaks to the richest taxpayers. It would pressure communities to make up for lost revenue, almost surely by raising property taxes. Services ranging from the MBTA, to fuel aid, to local police would be slashed just when residents need them most.

Proponents claim that state government is full of fat and incompetence. But Question 1 would require such extreme cuts that the government could fire every state employee - every prison guard and social worker - and still have to find another $7 billion.

Business groups, charities, unions, churches, municipal governments, and legislative leaders in both Democratic and Republican parties are united in saying that Question 1 goes way too far. We hope the voters of Massachusetts will join them in rejecting this reckless and destructive idea.