Eliminating the State Income Tax
THE STATE INCOME TAX ACCOUNTS FOR 40 PERCENT OF THE MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET
Being on the defensive is not new to us. We've been under attack for years by those who do not support public education. We've endured negative publicity and serious economic challenges that have made it difficult to negotiate fair contracts, preserve benefits and, above all, provide the resources and programs our students need and deserve.
Now a ballot question that would eliminate the state income tax - devastating our public schools, public higher education and other important services, wiping out thousands of jobs and sending our property taxes through the roof - will be on the November ballot.
The stakes are high for all us -- students, educators and families - as well as for the Massachusetts economy as a whole. But our work goes beyond defeating the anti-income-tax-initiative; starting right away we must make our local legislators understand the need for more local aid to public education. We need a study commission to determine what it really costs to provide every student in our public schools with a well-rounded education --- and how the state can ensure that every community has the necessary resources.
We can do this by educating, organizing and activating members, friends and families, as well as others in our communities.
There is no greater challenge for us - as educators, SEA/MTA members and citizens of the Commonwealth. It's about our students. It's about our jobs. It's about the future.
The Truth About Income Tax Repeal