From the FCCPR Co-Ordinating Committee
Yes on Question 1 – Fair Share Amendment, the Millionaires Tax
This is a long needed amendment to our State Constitution.
This proposed constitutional amendment would establish an additional 4% state income tax on that portion of annual taxable income in excess of $1 million. This income level would be adjusted annually, by the same method used for federal income-tax brackets, to reflect increases in the cost of living. Revenues from this tax would be used, subject to appropriation by the state Legislature, for public education, public colleges and universities; and for the repair and maintenance of roads, bridges, and public transportation. The proposed amendment would apply to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2023.
For more information please go to https://www.fairsharema.com/why-fair-share
Yes on Question 2 – Regulation of Dental Insurance
This proposed law would direct the Commissioner of the Massachusetts Division of Insurance to approve or disapprove the rates of dental benefit plans and would require that a dental insurance carrier spend at least 83 percent of the premiums on actual dental coverage rather then administrative costs. If a carrier’s annual spending on dental coverage is less than 83 percent, the carrier would be required to refund the excess premiums to its covered individuals and groups. The proposed law would allow the Commissioner to waive or adjust the refunds only if it is determined that issuing refunds would result in financial impairment for the carrier.
For more information please go to https://voteyeson2fordental.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMInbis26nx-gIVdwOzAB0HGA9EEAAYASAAEgJP6vD_BwE
Yes on Question 4 – Eligibility for Driver’s Licenses
The Republican candidate for governor is looking to use anti-immigrant and racist actions to bolster his campaign. This is an attempt to overturn a law that was passed by the Massachusetts Legislature.
This law allows Massachusetts residents who cannot provide proof of lawful presence in the United States to obtain a standard driver’s license or learner’s permit if they meet all the other qualifications for a standard license or learner’s permit, including a road test and insurance, and provide proof of their identity, date of birth, and residency. The law provides that, when processing an application for such a license or learner’s permit or motor vehicle registration, the registrar of motor vehicles may not ask about or create a record of the citizenship or immigration status of the applicant, except as otherwise required by law. This law does not allow people who cannot provide proof of lawful presence in the United States to obtain a REAL ID.
For more information please go to https://masspeaceaction.org/vote-yes-on-ballot-questions-1-and-4/
Yes on Question 5 – Medicare for All
Instruct your Representative to vote in favor of Massachusetts establishing a single-payer health care plan, also know as Improved Medicare for All
This will be on the ballot in the new 2nd Franklin district which comprises Greenfield Precincts 1,2,3,4, and 9, Athol, Erving, Gill, Northfield, Orange, Phillipston, Royalston, Warwick, Winchendon Precinct 1
This will also be on the ballot in the new 7th Hampden District which includes Belchertown.
Ludlow, New Salem, Pelham, Petersham, Shutesbury, Wendell
In 2018 all of Franklin County voted overwhelmingly for this ballot question. Both our State Reps., Natalie Blais and Paul Mark endorsed the legislation. Now with the change in the State Rep. districts it is on the ballot in the new 2nd Franklin District. We are hoping that Rep. Susanah Whipps if elected will also ensdorse the legislation.
“Shall the representative for this district be instructed to vote for legislation to create a single payer system of universal health care that provides all Massachusetts residents with comprehensive health care coverage including the freedom to choose doctors and other health care professionals, facilities, and services, and eliminates the role of insurance companies in health care by creating an insurance trust fund that is publicly administered?”
For more information please go to https://masscare.org/
Vote Yes on Carbon Tax
(The number of this question may vary from town to town)
Shall the representative from this district be instructed to introduce and vote for legislation that puts a fee on the carbon content of fossil fuels to compensate for their environmental damage and returns most of the proceeds in equitable ways to individuals as a cash-back dividend?
Another partial solution to a big problem but it is a good step in the right direction.
This will be on the ballot in the First Franklin District which is comprised on Greenfield Precincts 5,6,7,8, Ashfield, Bernardston, Buckland, Charlemont, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Hawley, Heath, Leverett, Leyden, Monroe, Montague, Rowe, Shelburne, Sunderland, Whately
For more information please go to :https://www.gazettenet.com/Voters-in-1st-Franklin-1st-Hampshire-districts-asked-to-weigh-in-on-carbon-tax-48395589?utm_source=pocket_mylist
Vote Yes on Transparency
(The number of this question may vary from town to town)
Shall the representative from this district be instructed to vote in favor of changes to the applicable House of Representative rules to make each Legislator’s vote in that body’s Legislative committees publicly available on the Legislature’s website.
This will be on the ballot in the new 2nd Franklin district which comprises Greenfield Precincts 1,2,3,4, and 9, Athol, Erving, Gill, Northfield, Orange, Phillipston, Royalston, Warwick, Winchendon
Precinct 1
It seems to us this is a simple ask, have votes by our elected Representatives made public. That’s basic democracy.
For more information please go to https://actonmass.org/the-campaign
Governors Council
Our last recommendation is that people vote for Tara Jacobs in the governors council race. This vote is often overlooked, but the Governors council provides advice to the Governor on selecting Judges and on parole issues. Recently our current Governor appointed an anti-choice person to a judgeship. We believe Tara Jacobs will not work to appoint right wing judges.