Repeal eliminates waste, lines our pockets
WHY ARE an estimated 1,350,000 Massachusetts voters planning to vote "yes" on Question 1 to end the state income tax? Consider these numbers. If voters end the state income tax, 3.4 million workers would each get back an average of $3,700 annually, and roll back annual state government spending to $34.8 billion. A no vote would require those workers to keep paying an average of $3,700 each year, and maintain state government spending at $47.3 billion.
Although the statutory budget is $28.2 billion, that figure is only part of the overall budget. There are also nonbudgeted spending, capital spending, and expendable trust spending. Taken together, these four items add up to $47.3 billion.
In addition, Massachusetts cities and towns are spending more than $27 billion this year for local services. That totals $74.3 billion in Massachusetts government spending. Subtract $5 billion in state funds given to cities and towns (to avoid double counting) and subtract another $12.5 billion if the state income tax is abolished, and there is still $56.8 billion for city, town, and state governments - more than enough to fund every essential government service.
Government waste is one reason so many voters already plan to approve Question 1. Last April, Fabrizio Surveys asked voters: "How many cents out of every dollar you pay in state taxes would you say is wasted by the state government?" Their average response was "41 cents."
Ending the income tax would cut state spending by just 27 percent, leaving billions of dollars in state government waste still to cut - without even touching the waste in local government spending.
According to three recent polls, 45 percent of Massachusetts voters plan to vote yes on Question 1, approximately the same number that polls show will vote against the question. With voter turnout estimated to be 3 million, that comes to 1,350,000 votes to end the state income tax.
The numbers show we can easily afford to end the income tax, but it's the benefits to the people of Massachusetts that make a yes vote a real winner.
In addition to giving each worker an annual average of $3,700, it will take $12.5 billion out of the hands of Beacon Hill politicians - and put it back into the hands of the men and women who earned it. Every year.
In productive, private hands this $12.5 billion a year will create hundreds of thousands of jobs in Massachusetts.
A yes vote will force the Legislature to streamline and cut the waste out of the budget.
It will force the Legislature to get rid of the failed, flawed government programs that don't work - and often make things worse.
It will make the Legislature accountable to Massachusetts workers and taxpayers - instead of to government employees, lobbyists, and special interests who profit from high government spending.
With less government and no income tax, Massachusetts will become a magnet to private, productive businesses and individuals. This will bring the state more good jobs and more good workers.
Massachusetts families will be able to pay off mounting bills and debts.
By making the Massachusetts total tax burden more affordable, more young people will be able to stay in Massachusetts near their family, friends, and home.
These are the reasons why you should vote "yes" on Question 1 to end the income tax. It's not just what's best for you. It's what's best for 3.4 million Massachusetts workers and taxpayers - and their families.
Carla Howell is chairwoman of the Committee For Small Government, sponsor of ballot Question 1. 