by Mackenzie Dupre
The Fair Share Amendment
&
Its Potentially Life - Changing Impact on Public Education
Massachusetts state senator Jason Lewis “said that since 1979, the average income for the top 1% has grown at an annual rate 10 times greater than the bottom 90%,” (Kail, 2021). The working class is struggling to make ends meet, as inflation rises exponentially, while minimum wage creeps up slowly. The pandemic has brought racial and economic inequities into public view by highlighting the unequal access to transportation and public education. We need taxation that equalizes opportunity for everyone; by making public colleges and universities more affordable, improving our under-funded public schools, and making basic transportation more accessible to everyone.
As Raise Up Massachusetts proclaims: “It is time for million dollar earners to pay their fair share to support our economic recovery and the public services we all depend on.” We can get the upper class to pay their fair share by supporting the Fair Share Amendment.
“The Fair Share Amendment is a proposal to amend the Massachusetts Constitution, creating an additional tax of four percentage points on the portion of a person’s annual income above $1 million,” (Raise up Massachusetts). The annual revenue of approximately 2 billion, would be spent towards boosting public education, improving state infrastructure, and making public colleges and universities more affordable. In order to ensure that only top earners are taxed, the1-million-dollar threshold will be adjusted annually.
The opposition believes that the tax will hurt small businesses and middle-class workers. They also ponder if it could motivate wealthy residents to move out of state.
The Pioneer Institute poses the question: “What can be more fair than every taxpayer paying a tax on their taxable income at the same rate?” (Kail, 2021). A flat tax is not fair when it’s a minor inconvenience to some and a detriment to others. State legislators Senator Lewis and Representative O’Day countered the critics by proclaiming that: “Investments in a stronger education system and improved transportation infrastructure will strengthen our economy, expand opportunity and make Massachusetts an even more desirable place to live, work, raise a family, and build a business,” (Kail, 2021). Additionally, the 9% marginal tax rate would align Massachusetts with other high-income states.
Want to learn more about the Fair Share Amendment and support the campaign? Then you should check out: Raise Up Massachusetts & Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance
Works Cited
“Fair Share Amendment: It's Time for Million Dollar Earners to Pay their Fair Share to Invest in our Future.” Raise Up Massachusetts.
Kail, Benjamin. “Massachusetts Lawmakers Send 'Fair Share Amendment' Tax Hike on Millionaires to 2022 Ballot.” Mass Live, 9 June 2021.
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