MPScan
Premium
join:2001-08-24
Boston, MA
| Massachusetts Ballot Questions: Election 2008
They were just announced today.
Question 1: Abolish State Income Tax (5.3% flat tax)
Although this would put $3,600 (on average) directly into the bank accounts of the average taxpayer each year, it would wipe out 40% of the state budget and take with it a whole host of social services that we've come to enjoy over the past few decades.
My position: On the fence. Need to research more how this will effect the state budget. Part of me is willing to pay more taxes for the greater good.
Projected Outcome: Too close to call. It was put on the ballot a few years back and rejected. However, with the rising cost of gas, healthcare, food, and everything else these days, the lure of having an immediate 5.3% salary increase may be too much for some to reject this time around.
Question 2: Decriminalize Marijuana Possession
This would replace criminal penalties for possession of one ounce or less of the drug with civil penalties, making it comparable to a parking ticket.
My position: Yes. Let's face it, I am not going to become a hardcore pothead overnight because this passes. I don't think others will either. Those who are going to smoke pot are going to do it anyway, no matter what the law says. So let's start to unclog the court system a little and move on to more important issues.
Projected Outcome: Yes 60%, No 40%
Question 3: Ban Greyhound Racing
Would place a permanent ban on greyhound racing in Massachusetts. This has been tried twice before and was defeated both times.
My position: None.
Projected Outcome: No 52%, Yes 48%
Let's discuss! |
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vaxvms
ferroequine fan
Premium
join:2005-03-01
Worcester, MA
 ·Charter Pipeline
edit:
July 14th, @12:13AM
| my opinions:
Q1:
Reduce it over a few years maybe. Don't abolish ALL at once.
Q2:
Legalization is fine as long as there is a limit to the quantity in one's possesion at any given time. There's no need to have 8 ounces in your pocket. Put age restrictions on it as well. Posession by people under the age of, 20 let's say, can't legally be in possesion of any quantity.
--
Sergeant Frank Drebin, Detective Lieutenant Police Squad
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George
@rcn.com
|  reply to MPScan
Q1: I think social services are important, specially for people who would save less than the $3,600 average if the state income tax is abolish!. I think this is a law that only saves money to richer people. I vote NO.
Q2: I say yes. Though, I disagree with the polls, I don't think it will pass. Is surprising how Massachusetts being a blue state can be so narrow minded some times.
Q3: I don't care much. I guess I vote yes, many greyhound might enjoy racing, so why take this away from people who enjoy watching them race. |
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tony t
@insulet.com
| reply to MPScan
Q1: I'd say no. Now isn't the time to weaken the state budget, especially with the looming big dig expenses to be payed off. If you think our roads are bad now, just think what this would do.
Q2: Yes. For many reasons. Also, to clarify, the age restriction of this question says that anyone under 18 with under an ounce is subject to the same $100 fine, plus has to undergo drug education and rehabilitation courses. This question is great because it generates revenue and frees up law enforcement resources to go after real criminals.
Q3: kind of on the fence. I've heard in the past that a lot of the greyhounds used for racing get treated pretty badly, although I'm not sure what kind of control MA has on how owners handle their dogs. It would be interesting to find out if taking racing away would change the outlook of bringing a casino to Boston. Still need to look into this issue |
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aarong
@xo.net
| reply to MPScan
#1 Vote no. Main reason is that the state needs to get funds from somewhere to pay for schools, roads, municipal workers, law enforcement, firemen, etc. Where will that most likely come from if income is gone, probably land taxes. Which is unfair since those taxes would probably be flat, unless current laws are changed.
#2 Vote yes. I don't think it is the smokers that are the problem, more like the crimes involved with selling.
#3 I think Family Guy said it best, greyhound racing is the canine version of a holocaust. And I say that with no ill regard to holocausts of humanity but merely a line from a tv show. I think people that bet at race tracks can probably lose their money some other way and that it won't be a great inconvenience to them. |
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John_W
Premium
join:2000-04-25
Worcester, MA
clubs: 
| reply to MPScan
Question 1: I have to say, all things being relative, if it passes, the revenue will be gathered in other places. Watch for your property tax to quadruple. Hopefully people are smart enough to see that that they won't be saving anything by eliminating it.
Question 2: I have no problem decriminalizing weed in small quantities. Heck, hypodermic needles are legal to possess in this state. But instead of decriminalizing it, why don't the legalize it, regulate it, and tax it.
Question 3: I have no position at all on it yet. I don't gamble so I have no position from that angle. The treatment of the dogs are not the best, so if I vote on this one, it would either be a yes vote or none at all. Not sure yet.
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Team Discovery--BBR Team Helix--Cuz I Care!! |
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amerguy
@verizon.net
| reply to MPScan
If we live in a State (MA) where same sex couples can marry and you can have an abortion at 22 weeks then why shouldn't adults be allowed to possess and use small amounts of pot? This is 2008 and people are still getting arrested for a joint! My son was one of them, he will have a criminal record for the rest of his life now. If you vote for Obama, remember that he has admitted smoking pot. Should he have been thrown in jail with my son? |
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Animal Lover
@simmons.edu | reply to MPScan
Greyhounds are treated unfairly. There is a reason it is illegal in the majority of US States. Please finally get rid of this once and for all! |
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thines9024
@verizon.net
| reply to aarong
Q1: I would not like to get rid of the income tax. although there has been much hardship with the gas prices, groceries ect. this would be taking too much money away from the state where we could put this money to good use. like back in the schools
Q2: I 100% support the decriminalization of marijuana. if this does not get passed I will loose all faith in Massachusetts. hopefully people voting on this will understand all the facts before voting too, especially with what possession of marijuana has done clogging up our court systems, resources ect.
Q3:I believe that greyhound racing should be made illegal. It is unethical. |
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capecoddah
join:2005-03-18
Yarmouth Port, MA
| reply to MPScan
I try to remain apolitical here but I'll say:
Q1: stupid idea, really stupid idea.
Q2: less than 1 oz, toss it in the trash, no court but a note.
Q3: I like the puppies, go once a year, should have slots. IFAW is a scam.
God Save the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. |
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new to MA
@bbn.com
|  reply to MPScan
Q1: Adios income tax! This state is the poster child for wasting state money: police details; bodybuilding firefighters on disability; union labor contracts for construction that are 3x the market rate?! The state legislators need to learn to make real financial decisions and stop spending my money so darn easily.
Q2: Ok, why are we discussing this? we have real issues. No on Q2 and hey Barney frank, how about we come up with solutions to real problems.
Q3: get rid of dog racing. It's amazing in a state that prides itself on being so enlightened, that we still have such a barbaric activity-dog racing. |
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Kathleen
@alter.net
| reply to MPScan
Don't we already have a hard time funding schools, roads, and so on? Abolishing the income tax would be disastrous. It has worked for other states and could be a possibility in the future. This is not the economy to be trying this out in and we are not prepared for the repercussions of losing 40% of the state budget. People would see that extra cash flow right out of their bank accounts to higher property taxes, gas, alcohol, cigarettes, tolls and anything else the state could think of to tax or raise fees on to fill the huge whole left in the budget. A YES vote is a short-sighted one. |
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Mark Leslie
@Level3.net
| reply to MPScan
Q1. Yes, Just because the good people of this state were ignored when we told our lawmakers we wanted the rate lowered to 5%. I believe our lords and masters will ignore this mandate as well if it passes. So don’t worry tax and spenders there will be enough money in the pot for your happy double dipping retirement.
Q2. Yes
Q3. Yes |
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Odinthor1970
@aol.com
| reply to MPScan
Q1: absolutely yes. I understand the impact of removing the income tax but the state of MA has done such a poor job of managing the state revenues its time for a major shake up. Im not convinced that this is going to be a positive for a lot of people, but throwing more good money after bad seems illogical at this point. The only ones who can reign in the legislature of the state is the voters and this is the hammer the fear most.
Q2: long overdue. If I am sitting in my house watching tv I can get as much booze as I want, but if I have a joint and a cop happens to knock on the door all my civil rights get flushed down the toliet (pun intended). Lets at least have a bit of balance, this question does that.
Q3: Yes. I will admit I am not a major animal lover but from the limited information I have these dogs arent treated very well. Surely we can find something else to do for entertainment? I got it, lets take the 5.3% pay increase we will all get and buy lottery tickets ! |
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angryBill
@oem.net
| reply to Kathleen
It's time to remove a large part of the tax revenue and force the legislature to select between out of control pensions or services. As example, the body building Boston Firefighter seeking disability, The mayor of Newton building a gross Trump-like high school...on and on. It's gone too far and a sudden screeching halt to the cash flow will open their eyes. I don't see any other way. |
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Ballot Questions
@comcast.net
| reply to MPScan
Question 1: No. Do not abolish the state income tax. If it is abolished where will my SSI (Suplimental Security Income) come from? I am on a fix income and living in public housing. I'd be homeless if the state income tax were repealed.
Question 2: Yes. I think it's time we decriminalize marijuana. Some people need it for their medical conditions, and they shouldn't be in jail for taking the medicine they need. And if anyone gets busted for medical or recreational use his/her life should not be ruined by the inability to get a job, public housing or college loans...just because they smoke.
Question 3: No. Greyhound racing is not unethical. Maybe the dogs do not get treated in the best way, but when they retire the greyhounds people have them as pets. Also, running is good for the dogs, and they run at the track. So, I say, "No. Don't ban greyhound racing. Racing is healthy for the dogs because they need their exorcise." |
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somedude
@comcast.net
| reply to MPScan
On question 1: Please don't be short-sighted. Without the state income tax, how would local schools, police, fire, etc be kept at the level we currently have? We'd have to raise huge property taxes. Whoops - Prop 2 1/2. So what do we do then? Unfortunately, taxes are the price we pay for a civilized society. Think of how destroyed Massachusetts would be. |
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EB111
@verizon.net |  reply to Mark Leslie
If people work multiple jobs towards multiple retirement plans what is wrong with "Double-Dipping?"
If they worked it they deserve it.
Only folks who haven't planned their future well usually complain about "double-dipping" the most. |
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EB111
@verizon.net
| reply to MPScan
Let's face it, if the taxes were to stop, Devil would get his money somewhere. Like Dukakis did Devil will install more "Killer Fees" and only the home owners will suffer.
the non-home owners and illegals will be the only ones to benefit.
Taxes are a necessary evil and are necessary for a civilized society. If you don't believe it drive through Mississippi sometime. |
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chong
@insulet.com | reply to MPScan
hey, with all the money the state will save (and, in fact, generate) from the passage of question 2, maybe the state will be able to lower taxes without abolishing the income tax altogether.
problem solved. |
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