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< Back Fair Share Amendment Ballot Campaign Launches First TV Ad Aug 17, 2022 Win-Win” Highlights How Question 1 on the November Ballot Will Mean “Better Schools and Roads, and a Tax System That’s Fairer” BOSTON – The campaign working to pass the Fair Share Amendment today announced the launch of its first television ad , part of an eight-figure TV ad campaign that will run through Election Day. The Fair Share Amendment, the proposed state tax on incomes above $1 million, would raise billions of dollars to invest in transportation and public education. It is Question 1 on the November statewide ballot. “We began running TV ads this week, but our campaign supporters – educators, parents, and neighbors all across the state – have already reached out to more than half a million voters going door-to-door and by phone,” said Fair Share for Massachusetts Campaign Manager Jeron Mariani . “Through an expansive campaign over the airwaves, online, and on the ground, we're telling voters about the facts of Question 1: that only the super-rich who earn more than $1 million a year will pay more, and we'll all benefit from the $2 billion a year that is constitutionally dedicated to our schools, colleges, roads, bridges, and transit infrastructure.” Titled ‘ Win-Win ,’ the ad begins by explaining how Massachusetts working people pay a higher share in taxes than the wealthiest one percent. Research from the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center shows that while most people in Massachusetts pay between 8 and 10 percent of our personal income in state and local taxes, the highest-income 1 percent of taxpayers pay just 6.8 percent. “Question 1 changes that, so those making over $1 million a year pay their fair share,” the ad continues. “Ninety-nine percent of us won’t pay a penny more. And Question 1 raises $2 billion a year that the constitution dedicates to public schools, colleges and roads and bridges.” Question 1, which voters will decide on the November ballot, would amend the Massachusetts constitution to create a 4 percent tax on the portion of a person’s annual income above $1 million and constitutionally dedicate the funds to be spent on transportation and public education. Less than 1 percent of Massachusetts taxpayers earn over $1 million in a single year and would pay the new tax, but we would all benefit from the improved schools and transportation infrastructure Question 1 will help fund. The ad ends by summing up the benefits of Question 1 for Massachusetts: “Better schools and roads, and a tax system that’s fairer. Question 1 is a win-win for Massachusetts.” Thousands of educators, workers, small business owners, parents, faith leaders, municipal officials, drivers and transit riders, and more than 280 organizations across the state are working together on the Fair Share for Massachusetts campaign to pass Question 1. After years of grassroots advocacy, the state Legislature voted in June 2021 to place the Fair Share Amendment on the November 2022 statewide ballot, where it is now set to be decided on by the voters as Question 1. The ad can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8NjwlAZhG4 . Background on Question 1: the Fair Share Amendment The Fair Share Amendment – Question 1 on the November ballot – will allow Massachusetts to improve our transportation and public education systems by making the very rich pay their fair share. Question 1 would create a 4 percent tax on the portion of a person’s annual income above $1 million and require – in the state constitution – that the funds be spent only on transportation and public education. Only people who earn more than $1 million annually will be impacted; 99% of us won’t pay a penny more. And we’ll all benefit from better schools, colleges, roads, bridges, and public transportation. Learn more and get involved at FairShareMA.com. ### The Fair Share for Massachusetts campaign is led by Raise Up Massachusetts, a coalition of community organizations, faith-based groups, and labor unions committed to building an economy that invests in families, gives everyone the opportunity to succeed, and creates broadly shared prosperity. Since our coalition came together in 2013, we have nearly doubled wages for hundreds of thousands of working people by winning two increases in the state’s minimum wage, won best-in-the-nation earned sick time and paid family and medical leave benefits for workers and their families, and started to build an economy that works for all of us, not just those at the top. Previous Next

< Back More Than 500 Organizations Across MA Support Question 1 to Improve Schools & Roads with Tax on Million-Dollar Earners Oct 19, 2022 As Voting Begins, New Poll Shows 58% of Voters Supporting Question 1 BOSTON – As voters begin casting their mail-in ballots this week, and in-person early voting begins over the weekend, more than 500 organizations across the state are united in supporting Question 1, the proposed ‘Fair Share Amendment’ that would tax incomes above $1 million and raise billions of dollars that are constitutionally dedicated to transportation and public education. And in a sign of the continued momentum for Question 1, a new Suffolk University/Boston Globe/NBC10 Boston/Telemundo poll of Massachusetts voters found 58 percent support for Question 1, compared to 37 percent opposition. “Tens of thousands of educators, workers, small business owners, parents, faith leaders, municipal officials, drivers and transit riders, and more than 500 organizations across the state are all working together to pass Question 1 in November,” said Lillian Lanier, Field Director for Fair Share for Massachusetts. “We’re supporting Question 1 because we know it will help improve our schools and transportation infrastructure, and only the very rich will pay more. A few billionaires are trying to mislead voters about what Question 1 does, but our grassroots supporters are having thousands of conversations every day to combat their misinformation.” The Yes on Question 1 campaign has been endorsed by 87 labor unions; 72 community organizing groups; 18 faith-based groups; more than 75 businesses; 64 city councils, select boards, and school committees; 89 local Democratic town and ward committees; and 115 other social service and not-for-profit organizations focused on housing, education, transportation, public health, and the environment. A full list of the 500+ organizations supporting Question 1 can be found here . Supporters of Question 1 call the Amendment an opportunity for Massachusetts to improve our schools and colleges, fix our roads and bridges, create jobs, and boost our economy, all without 99% of taxpayers paying a single cent more. “Question 1 is a chance to make things better,” says New Bedford public school teacher Cynthia Roy in one of the campaign’s ads. “It raises $2 billion a year, constitutionally dedicated to public education and transportation, so we can end the teacher shortage, hire more counselors, and provide better support for students.” “[Question 1] creates thousands of new jobs at the same time,” says Canton operating engineer Jimmy Marenghi in another ad. “And only the super rich pay for it, not families like mine. Opponents of Question 1, funded by a few billionaire CEOs who don’t want to pay their fair share in taxes, are trying to scare seniors and small business owners about the effects of Question 1, but the facts are clear. Question 1 is a tax on personal income over $1 million – business taxes would not be affected, and Question 1 doesn’t apply to any business’s revenues. Less than 3 percent of businesses owners in Massachusetts have taxable personal income over $1 million that would be subject to Question 1, and many of them are primarily investors or shareholders, not people running a business day-to-day. “If a business is generating more than a million dollars in personal profit for the owner, even after they deduct all their business expenses, let’s be real: it’s not a small business, and that super-rich business owner can afford to pay their fair share in taxes,” says Gerly Adrien, Business Director of Fair Share for Massachusetts & owner of Tipping Cow Ice Cream in Somerville and Boston. "Question 1 wouldn't make small businesses like ours pay a single penny more. But every business in Massachusetts will benefit when we have a more reliable transportation system to get our customers in the door and our employees to and from work," says Karsen Eckweiler, co-owner of Democracy Brewing in Boston . "We'll all benefit from better schools and colleges that prepare a well-educated workforce. And anyone who makes more than a million dollars in a single year can easily afford to pay a little more — just four cents on every dollar from their second million, and everything above it — to help build a stronger economy for all of us." And research from the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, based on Massachusetts taxpayer data from the IRS, proves conclusively that less than 1 percent of seniors will pay more in taxes if Question 1 on the November ballot is approved, including when they sell their homes. “As a retiree and homeowner, I know that Question 1 won't affect me and my wife when we sell our home. It makes me angry that the billionaire opponents of Question 1 are trying to scare us with misleading ads,” says John Lippitt, a Reading homeowner and retiree. “I’m supporting Question 1 because 99% of us, including home sellers and retirees, won’t pay more, but we'll all benefit from better roads and bridges, and our grandkids will enjoy better schools and affordable public college.” Even in Massachusetts’s hot housing market, only a tiny percentage of home sellers would see their taxable income rise above $1 million. Last year, only 895 homes, less than 1 percent of all home sales in the state, generated enough of a gain to be affected by Question 1. That's because it's the gain in value since the house was originally purchased, not the full sales price, that is subject to income tax. Plus, home sellers can deduct up to $500,000 from their taxes on the sale of their primary residence, and also deduct the entire cost of a renovated kitchen, an updated heating system, a new roof, or any other major improvements. Local data on home sales shows that in the majority of towns across the Commonwealth, not a single home was sold for a gain of $1 million or more. Only 22 towns had more than 10 sales yield a gain of $1.5 million or more, enough to be affected by Question 1 after deductions are taken. For supporters, Question 1 is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to fund our public schools and colleges and repair our roads, bridges, and transit, all by making the very rich pay their fair share in state taxes. “When I go door to door talking to voters about Question 1, I’m joined by educators, parents, and school staff who want our schools to have adequate staffing to give students one-on-one attention and help them recover from learning loss,” said Liz Speakman, a Quincy parent. “I’m joined by drivers who want to see the potholes on our main streets fixed, bus riders who are worried about the state of our public transportation infrastructure, and students who want to get a public college degree without taking on enormous debt. That’s who our campaign is, and I know that when working people join together and have conversations with our neighbors, we can overcome the scare tactics of a few billionaires.” Background on Question 1: the Fair Share Amendment The Fair Share Amendment – Question 1 on the November ballot – will allow Massachusetts to improve our transportation and public education systems by making the very rich pay their fair share. Question 1 would create a 4 percent tax on the portion of a person’s annual income above $1 million and constitutionally dedicate the funds to be spent on transportation and public education. Only people who earn more than $1 million annually will be impacted; 99% of us won’t pay a penny more. And we’ll all benefit from better schools, roads, bridges, and public transportation. Thousands of educators, workers, small business owners, parents, faith leaders, municipal officials, drivers and transit riders, and more than 500 organizations across the state are working together to pass Question 1. Our campaign has been endorsed by 87 labor unions ; 72 community organizing groups ; 18 faith-based groups ; more than 75 businesses ; 64 city councils, select boards, and school committees ; 89 local Democratic town and ward committees ; and 115 other social service and not-for-profit organizations focused on housing, education, transportation, public health, and the environment. Learn more and get involved at FairShareMA.com . ### The Fair Share for Massachusetts campaign is led by Raise Up Massachusetts, a coalition of community organizations, faith-based groups, and labor unions committed to building an economy that invests in families, gives everyone the opportunity to succeed, and creates broadly shared prosperity. Since our coalition came together in 2013, we have nearly doubled wages for hundreds of thousands of working people by winning two increases in the state’s minimum wage, won best-in-the-nation earned sick time and paid family and medical leave benefits for workers and their families, and started to build an economy that works for all of us, not just those at the top. Previous Next

< Back 18 Education and Youth Advocacy Organizations Endorse Question 1 to Improve Transportation and Public Education Aug 15, 2022 Parents, Students, and Educators Join Growing Coalition Supporting Fair Share Amendment Tax on Million-Dollar Earners on November Ballot BOSTON – The campaign working to pass the Fair Share Amendment, the proposed state tax on incomes above $1 million which would raise billions of dollars to invest in transportation and public education, today announced the endorsement of 18 education and youth advocacy organizations from across the state. The Fair Share Amendment is Question 1 on the November statewide ballot. “It’s not fair that millionaires get richer and richer, while the ceilings in some of our children’s schools leak buckets when it rains,” said Suleika Soto, a Boston parent and Acting Director at Boston Education Justice Alliance. “We look forward to the Fair Share Amendment leveling the playing field and providing long-needed funding for our children’s futures.” The 18 education and youth advocacy organizations collectively represent thousands of parents, students, educators, and education and youth advocates from across Massachusetts. “We wholeheartedly endorse the Fair Share Amendment because we need it to ensure that each student in Massachusetts receives a high-quality, well-resourced education, now and in the years ahead,” said Lisa Guisbond, Executive Director at Citizens for Public Schools. “With funding made available by Question 1, we can sustainably reduce class sizes, hire enough school counselors, and better support English language learners. It is completely fair to require our wealthiest Massachusetts residents to pay 4 percent more per year on the income they earn in excess of $1 million. Doing so will enable us to uplift many thousands of children and support their future thoughtful participation in our democracy.” “Students and educators at every school across Massachusetts should have the highest quality public education possible,” said Vatsady Sivongxay, a Cambridge parent and executive director of the Massachusetts Education Justice Alliance - Education Fund. “Question 1, the Fair Share Amendment, is an opportunity to generate billions of dollars and create a permanent resource pipeline for equitable public schools and colleges. The historic Student Opportunity Act, passed in 2019, promises funding increases for local schools over the next five years, and the Fair Share Amendment will be key to fulfilling that promise to provide the necessary resources for our students and schools. Additionally, the Fair Share Amendment is key to ending the cycle of student debt that so many low-income, working-class, and BIPOC students and families take on in hopes of a better future.” “The Fair Share Amendment is a stepping stone towards a future in which all students receive the well-rounded education they deserve, including access to art programming, regardless of socioeconomic status,” said Rania Henriquez, Community Resource Coordinator, and Emma Burke, Social Justice Coordinator, at Elevated Thought. “As an organization dedicated to creative enrichment for young people and social justice, adequate funding for public education is non-negotiable. Progressive taxation is needed to equitably and sustainably provide the educational experience young people deserve.” “The Center of Teen Empowerment stands to create youth leaders that work for justice and equity in communities like Somerville and Boston. We support the Fair Share Amendment because of the impact it could have on the schools and communities we care so deeply about,” said Abrigal Forrester, executive director of the Center for Teen Empowerment. “Passing Fair Share will not only give back to our schools, but it will also improve our public transportation across the state. These improvements will help the people who need it most, which includes young people who attend public schools and rely on public transportation, rather than allowing the rich to continue to get richer.” The education and youth advocacy organizations join more than 280 organizations and thousands of activists across the state who are working together to pass Question 1 on the ballot. The campaign previously announced support from 63 community organizing groups, 26 housing and community development organizations, 28 social service providers, 15 faith-based groups, 7 public health organizations, 7 environmental and climate organizations, and 10 transportation advocacy organizations. After years of grassroots advocacy, the state Legislature voted in June 2021 to place the Fair Share Amendment on the November 2022 statewide ballot, where it is now set to be decided on by the voters as Question 1. The full list of endorsing education and youth advocacy organizations is below, and a full list of organizations that have endorsed Question 1 is available at fairsharema.com/endorsements . Boston Asian: Youth Essential Service Boston Education Justice Alliance (BEJA) Central MA Youth Jobs Coalition Citizens for Public Schools EdNavigator Educators for Excellence Boston Elevated Thought I Have A Future Latino Education Institute at Worcester State University Massachusetts Advocates for Children Massachusetts Association of School Committees Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents Massachusetts Coalition for Adult Education Massachusetts Education Justice Alliance - Public Action Network Public Higher Education Network of Massachusetts (PHENOM) Revere Youth In Action Teen Empowerment Zero Debt Massachusetts Background on Question 1: the Fair Share Amendment The Fair Share Amendment – Question 1 on the November ballot – will allow Massachusetts to improve our transportation and public education systems by making the very rich pay their fair share. Question 1 would create a 4 percent tax on the portion of a person’s annual income above $1 million and require – in the state constitution – that the funds be spent only on transportation and public education. Only people who earn more than $1 million annually will be impacted; 99% of us won’t pay a penny more. And we’ll all benefit from better schools, colleges, roads, bridges, and public transportation. Learn more and get involved at FairShareMA.com. ### The Fair Share for Massachusetts campaign is led by Raise Up Massachusetts, a coalition of community organizations, faith-based groups, and labor unions committed to building an economy that invests in families, gives everyone the opportunity to succeed, and creates broadly shared prosperity. Since our coalition came together in 2013, we have nearly doubled wages for hundreds of thousands of working people by winning two increases in the state’s minimum wage, won best-in-the-nation earned sick time and paid family and medical leave benefits for workers and their families, and started to build an economy that works for all of us, not just those at the top. Previous Next

< Back Yes on 1 Campaign: School Counselors’ Plea for Help Highlights Urgent Need for Fair Share Amendment to Fund K-12 Education Oct 13, 2022 Question 1 on the November Ballot Would Help Fund Schools, Colleges, Roads, Bridges & Transit BOSTON – In response to a call from a coalition of Massachusetts school-based counselors and educators for additional resources and staff to meet the mental health needs of students, the campaign working to pass the Fair Share Amendment today emphasized the need for additional funding for K-12 schools. “Students throughout Massachusetts are struggling to recover from the effects of the pandemic – both academically and when it comes to their mental health. They clearly need more support than they’re getting today, and that’s what Question 1 will deliver,” said Jeron Mariani, Campaign Manager for Fair Share for Massachusetts . “We cannot afford to let an entire generation of young people fall behind. Question 1 will deliver billions of dollars to help support public school students with more individualized attention, more counselors, and more wrap-around services to meet their individual needs and get them back on track.” The Fair Share Amendment, the proposed state tax on incomes above $1 million, would raise billions of dollars that are constitutionally dedicated to transportation and public education. It is Question 1 on the November statewide ballot. According to the Massachusetts School Counselors Association, Massachusetts has only 1 counselor for every 364 students, much less than the expert recommendation of at least 1 for every 250 students. Nationally, 70% of public schools have reported an increase in the percentage of students seeking mental health services at school since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and 76% of schools also reported an increase in staff voicing concerns about students exhibiting symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and trauma. "I’ve seen my kids and their peers go through so much over the past few years. It’s been really tough for them!” said Liz Speakman, a mother of two from Quincy . “Question 1 is a chance to give them healthier learning environments where they can concentrate on their education. Question 1 would let us make the investments our kids need so they can reach their full potential.” Background on Question 1: the Fair Share Amendment The Fair Share Amendment – Question 1 on the November ballot – will allow Massachusetts to improve our transportation and public education systems by making the very rich pay their fair share. Question 1 would create a 4 percent tax on the portion of a person’s annual income above $1 million and constitutionally dedicate the funds to be spent on transportation and public education. Only people who earn more than $1 million annually will be impacted; 99% of us won’t pay a penny more. And we’ll all benefit from better schools, roads, bridges, and public transportation. Thousands of educators, workers, small business owners, parents, faith leaders, municipal officials, drivers and transit riders, and more than 350 organizations across the state are working together to pass Question 1. Our campaign has been endorsed by 80 labor unions , 63 community organizing groups , 15 faith-based groups , more than 75 businesses , and more than 100 other social service and not-for-profit organizations focused on housing, education, transportation, public health, and the environment. Learn more and get involved at FairShareMA.com. ### The Fair Share for Massachusetts campaign is led by Raise Up Massachusetts, a coalition of community organizations, faith-based groups, and labor unions committed to building an economy that invests in families, gives everyone the opportunity to succeed, and creates broadly shared prosperity. Since our coalition came together in 2013, we have nearly doubled wages for hundreds of thousands of working people by winning two increases in the state’s minimum wage, won best-in-the-nation earned sick time and paid family and medical leave benefits for workers and their families, and started to build an economy that works for all of us, not just those at the top. Previous Next

< Back Attleboro Sun Chronicle: A 'Yes' on Question 1 will benefit most The Editorial Board Oct 27, 2022 Taxing Massachusetts workers earning more than $1 million at a higher rate will affect very few and harm almost none of them. But it will benefit virtually everyone in the state. That’s why we strongly endorse a “Yes” on Question 1 for the election that ends Nov. 8. Massachusetts has a flat tax system and currently taxes all income levels at the same rate: 5%. The referendum would amend the state constitution to introduce an additional 4% surtax on anyone’s income above $1 million. The United States has a progressive tax system, and Massachusetts would join 34 other states if Question 1 is adopted. Only six other states have a flat tax. A study from Tufts University’s Center for State Policy Analysis said that the change would generate about $1.3 billion of revenue in 2023 and would apply to about 0.6% of households in the state. That’s less than 16,000 of the Bay State’s approximately 2.54 million households. There are some “one-time millionaires” who will be affected, and the opposition — which includes Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft, who contributed $1 million to the cause — has tried to sway the public by generating sympathy for those individuals. For instance, if you bought a home years ago for $300,000 and it sold today for $1.8 million after broker fees are paid, you still would not pay the surtax. When it comes to home or property sales, the tax only applies to the capital gains, $1.5 million. And couples have a $500,000 exemption for property sales. Even that scenario would be rare. In 2021, only 2 percent of Massachusetts home sales resulted in capital gains of more than $1 million, according to a state analysis. The opposition has also overstated the impact on small business owners who sell and are counting on it for a retirement nest egg. If the owner has capital gains of $2 million, the tax bill will rise from $100,000 to $140,000. Most of us would be happy with that remaining nest egg. Another argument against Question 1 is that the state is sitting on a huge surplus and doesn’t need the money. But a good chunk of that money is expected to be returned to inflation-strapped taxpayers. And if we know one thing about Massachusetts politics, it’s that the state won’t have plenty of money for too long. Approving this referendum will lock in another revenue source while affecting very few wallets. The people of Massachusetts do need help now, however, and that’s the biggest reason we urge your support. Revenue from the surtax is earmarked for education and transportation, and while there is some question whether the Legislature can spend elsewhere, we doubt lawmakers will override the will of voters, at least initially. The surtax targets Massachusetts two greatest needs: Improving our schools and our transportation infrastructure. As the shocking drop in test scores indicates, students were seriously set back by the pandemic. Teachers need help getting kids back on track, and they need it quickly. And anyone who drives our pothole-filled streets or is detoured by a bridge closing or depends on the MBTA to get to work understands the need to improve our transportation. Better schools and better transportation help everyone. Question 1 provides an opportunity to improve the lives of all Bay Staters while only asking a little more from our most affluent residents. We urge you to vote “Yes.” Previous Next

< Back WAMC: Springfield City Council backs higher tax on millionaires with ‘Fair Share Amendment’ Patrick Johnson | MassLive Apr 5, 2022 The City Council has unanimously endorsed the Fair Share Amendment, a referendum on the November ballot Original SPRINGFIELD — The City Council has unanimously endorsed the Fair Share Amendment, a referendum on the November ballot that seeks to raise money for public education and transportation by taxing millionaires and billionaires across the state. Councilors on Monday voted in favor of a resolution proposed by Councilor Jesse Lederman to endorse the referendum, which if approved by Massachusetts voters in November, would levy a tax of 4 percent on any income beyond $1 million. The estimated $2 billion annually would be used to supplement spending on public education, public colleges, and transportation issues across the state. Previous Next

< Back Yes on 1 Launches New TV Ad Pushing Back on Deceptive Lies About Home Sales Oct 25, 2022 ‘No on 1’ Campaign Caught Lying About Home Sales; Less Than 1% Would Be Affected BOSTON – Amid calls for TV stations to take down a false and deceptive ad from the billionaire-backed opponents of Question 1, supporters of the proposed “Fair Share Amendment” are pushing back on television. Supporters of Question 1 today announced the launch of a new TV ad , part of an eight-figure TV ad campaign that is running through Election Day. Titled ‘ Fool You ,’ the new ad states “The richest 1% are trying to fool you. Question 1 only affects about 1% of homes sold. Last year, the average home sale that would have been impacted was 3.8 million dollars. Only the richest pay, not you.” Yesterday, supporters of Question 1 sent a letter to the Boston TV stations that are airing an inaccurate and deceptive ad from the ‘No on Question 1’ campaign. This latest attack from billionaire-backed opponents of the constitutional amendment falsely claims that tens of thousands of home sales would be affected by Question 1. In response, the author of the report cited by the No on 1 campaign in their ad told the Boston Globe “I do not think our work supports their claim about the tax rate on home sales.” “The billionaire-backed opponents of Question 1 are lying to voters because they’re desperate to avoid paying their fair share,” said Fair Share for Massachusetts Campaign Manager Jeron Mariani. “As we fight back against their misinformation, we’re focused on sharing the truth with voters: only the priciest 1 percent of mansions and vacation homes would be affected by Question 1. And less than 1 percent of all taxpayers would pay more under Question 1, while we’d all benefit from better schools and roads.” The facts: Last year, less than 1 percent of home sales in the state generated enough of a gain to be affected by Question 1. Just 895 homes, to be exact. Not “tens of thousands.” A recent report from the Massachusetts Budget & Policy Center found that even in Massachusetts’s hot housing market, only a tiny percentage of home sellers would see their taxable income rise above $1 million. That's because it's the gain in value since the house was originally purchased, not the full sales price, that is subject to income tax. Plus, home sellers can deduct up to $500,000 from their taxes on the sale of their primary residence, and also deduct the entire cost of a renovated kitchen, an updated heating system, a new roof, or any other major improvements. They can also subtract closing costs, such as realtor commissions. Last year, there were only 22 cities and towns in the entire state where more than 10 homes sold for a gain of $1.5 million or more, enough to be affected by Question 1 after deductions are taken. In 248 cities and towns, not a single home sold for a gain of $1.5 million or more. The average home that would be affected by Question 1 sold for a total of $3.8 million. The new ad can be found here . Previous ‘Yes on 1’ TV ads can be found here , here , here , here , here , and here . Background on Question 1: the Fair Share Amendment The Fair Share Amendment – Question 1 on the November ballot – will allow Massachusetts to improve our transportation and public education systems by making the very rich pay their fair share. Question 1 would create a 4 percent tax on the portion of a person’s annual income above $1 million and constitutionally dedicate the funds to be spent on transportation and public education. Only people who earn more than $1 million annually will be impacted; 99% of us won’t pay a penny more. And we’ll all benefit from better schools, roads, bridges, and public transportation. Thousands of educators, workers, small business owners, parents, faith leaders, municipal officials, drivers and transit riders, and more than 350 organizations across the state are working together to pass Question 1. Our campaign has been endorsed by 80 labor unions , 63 community organizing groups , 15 faith-based groups , more than 75 businesses , and more than 100 other social service and not-for-profit organizations focused on housing, education, transportation, public health, and the environment. Learn more and get involved at FairShareMA.com . ### The Fair Share for Massachusetts campaign is led by Raise Up Massachusetts, a coalition of community organizations, faith-based groups, and labor unions committed to building an economy that invests in families, gives everyone the opportunity to succeed, and creates broadly shared prosperity. Since our coalition came together in 2013, we have nearly doubled wages for hundreds of thousands of working people by winning two increases in the state’s minimum wage, won best-in-the-nation earned sick time and paid family and medical leave benefits for workers and their families, and started to build an economy that works for all of us, not just those at the top. Previous Next

< Back Fair Share for Massachusetts canvasses in Northampton Addie Patterson and Olivia Hickey | Western Mass News Jul 18, 2022 NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) -Fair Share for Massachusetts gathered to canvass Sunday at Pulaski Park in Northampton. The group went door-to-door to spread the word about the November 8th ballot initiative. President of the Massachusetts Teachers Association, Max Page, explained what exactly the Fair Share Amendment is and how it would affect our schools. “What it would do is make our tax system fair by asking the wealthiest, the very wealthiest people who make over a million dollars a year, pay a little bit more with all the proceeds, up to two billion dollars a year, going to public schools, public higher education, roads, bridges and public transportation.” Max also said the initiative will help move Massachusetts towards debt-free higher education. The group plans on canvassing throughout the region in the coming weeks. Copyright 2022. Western Mass News (WGGB/WSHM). All rights reserved. Image by AlexiusHoratius, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons Previous Next

< Back Climate reasons for supporting the Fair Share Amendment ELIZABETH MARCUS | CONRAD WILLEMAN | Newburyport May 6, 2022 Our greatest challenge in the 21st century is climate change mitigation... Climate reasons for supporting the Fair Share Amendment (Orginal / Source) Our greatest challenge in the 21st century is climate change mitigation. In Massachusetts the largest sector of greenhouses gas emissions (42%) is transportation. Greenhouse gas emissions from transportation primarily come from burning fossil fuels in our cars, trucks, and heavy duty vehicles. The Fair Share Amendment will provide new revenue to allow substantial investment in transportation and public education in Massachusetts. These investments will make it easier for us to kick our fossil fuel dependence by providing safer options for pedestrians and cyclists as well as speedy, affordable, regular, reliable and convenient public transportation. It is estimated that the Fair Share Amendment will generate approximately $1.5 billion dollars in new revenue by taxing income (not assets) in excess of $1,000,000 per year at a rate of 4%. It is estimated that it will apply to only 0.5% of Massachusetts taxpayers. This group currently pays a lower portion of their income in state and local taxes than any other income group in the state. The Fair Share Amendment will be on the ballot in November 2022. We ask that the Newburyport City Council pass a municipal resolution supporting the Fair Share Amendment to the Massachusetts State Constitution. Previous Next

Your Stories Question 1 is about a fair Massachusetts for everyone. Your stories are the reason we're here. Rachel, Cambridge "I want to be able to count on the quality of every single public school in the state. The Fair Share Amendment will help us get there. " Your Stories Your story — why the Fair Share Amendment matters to you, your family, and your community — is the most powerful tool we have to pass Question 1 and build the Massachusetts we deserve. SHARE YOURS Mark, Lynn "We can make sure that all our public schools can give every student the high-quality education they deserve." "The top person in the 1%, who makes millions of dollars, has increased their wealth in the past two years by trillions." Jonathan, Boston Tracey, Somerville "I come from a family of educators, and what I'm hoping for is that we can have more funding for schools, public infrastructure, and the things that we need." Kalli, Dorchester Get everything you need to know about exactly how to vote Yes on 1. HOW TO VOTE YES ON 1 Liz, Quincy Cynthia Karsten, Somerville Jared Anna, Quincy Angel, Brockton Natalia, Chelsea Your stories will help us pass the Fair Share Amendment this year. SHARE YOURS

A Fair Share Statewide Across Massachusetts, communities, businesses, and organizations are ready to pass the Fair Share Amendment and dedicate $2 billion every year in new revenue to transportation and education . That's because the Fair Share Amendment will get funding where we need it the most—our roads, bridges, and schools from pre-K to higher education. We can all see the underinvestments in our education and transportation systems, from potholed roads to unsafe bridges to public colleges that are just getting harder to afford. It's clear: we can do better. Statewide, these towns, cities, and small businesses are coming together to vote YES on Question 1 and build a fair tax system and an economy that works for all of us. James N. Junier Bridge, Oxford Democracy Brewing, Boston Statewide Support - Map Loading - (This may take up to 10 seconds on slower connections) endorsed in progress not yet endorsed KEY Want to volunteer? GET INVOLVED Looking to get endorsements for the Fair Share Amendment in your area? CONTACT THE CAMPAIGN

< Back Fair Share passage would help schools, public transit Daily News | LTE | ANNIE MAURER: Newburyport May 9, 2022 Our infrastructure is in serious need of repair. Our streets and highways are full of potholes and our bridges are crumbling. Fair Share passage would help schools, public transit. Anyone who travels around the Merrimack Valley by public transportation or car knows that our infrastructure is in serious need of repair. Our streets and highways are full of potholes and our bridges are crumbling. Using public transportation in this area poses many challenges from bus stops lacking bus shelters and information about times and routes to the difficulties traveling from the seashore to the inland cities of Haverhill and Lawrence. Working with Afghan refugees who have recently arrived here has highlighted these problems to me as, without cars, getting to potential work sites and shops poses real challenges. These challenges face anyone, including the elderly, students, and low wage workers, who depend on public transportation. This fall, the citizens of Massachusetts have an historic opportunity to bring an estimated 2 billion dollars a year to help solve these problems and to support our education system. The Fair Share Amendment, which will be on the ballot in November, would add a 4% increase in the state income tax on incomes over $1 million a year. This means that the first million in income will be taxed at the current rate, and any income over that initial million will be taxed at an increased rate. This amendment which is supported by over 70% of Massachusetts voters will provide a sustained revenue stream that will help us not only repair and improve our infrastructure and public transportation system but maintain it in the future. Eighty-three percent of the benefits from the federal tax bill passed in 2017 went to the top 1%. It’s time for those who have benefited most from changes in the tax laws over the last 40 years to support the infrastructure and educational systems that benefit all of us. Please ask your Newburyport city councilor to support the council’s municipal resolution in support of the Fair Share Amendment and remember to vote for it in November. Previous Next