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< Back Viewpoint: A business leader urges 'yes' on ballot Question 1 Mohamad Ali Oct 21, 2022 This November, Massachusetts voters will consider the Fair Share Amendment through ballot Question 1: a proposed tax on incomes over $1 million to fund education and transportation. As CEO of a Massachusetts technology company with thousands of employees, I see this proposed amendment as an opportunity to increase our state’s talent pool, improve the transportation system our workers depend on, and distribute the tax burden more fairly. Approval of Question 1 would create an additional 4% tax on the portion of a person’s annual income above $1 million, and constitutionally dedicate the funds to education and transportation. It seeks to address two problems that have bedeviled Massachusetts for years: our regressive tax structure and the resulting inadequate investment in education and transportation. Question 1’s proposed adjustment to our tax system would more fairly distribute the costs of critical public services. Today, someone making under $20,000 pays about 10% of their income in state and local taxes, including income, sales, excise, and real estate taxes. Most people in the middle class pay 8% to 9%. But those earning more than $1 million a year pay an average of just 6.8%. Unlike Massachusetts, most states have a graduated income tax, where rates increase as income increases. Our current tax system disproportionately burdens low- and middle-income people. With Question 1, the highest-income earners will pay a share of their income toward state and local taxes that is closer to the share of income that others pay, approximately 8.7%. Question 1 is a chance to balance the scales and ensure that the most fortunate among us pay our fair share to invest in the underpinnings of a strong state economy. In Massachusetts, we have both some of the best school systems and some of the worst. Public schools in Boston, Lawrence, and Springfield are woefully inadequate, in part because they need to deal with the effects of poverty on their students. We can’t just wish them better. It will require real money to fix them. Having gone through public schools in another state, I know that good public schools help move low-income students towards a better life. We are failing many Massachusetts students today, and that ends up costing all of us.If we truly want to support diversity, equity, and inclusion, investing in improving our public schools in poor communities — which are often racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse — is one of the best ways to do so. And that’s not just the right thing to do; it’s good for business and good for our economy, which depends on a well-educated workforce. In addition to a strong public education system, businesses in Massachusetts also rely on a functioning transportation system to get employees to work and goods to market. Additional funding will help repair our state’s backlog of crumbling roads and public transportation infrastructure. With Question 1 approved, Massachusetts would still have a top tax rate lower than New York, California, New Jersey, Hawaii, Oregon, Iowa, and Minnesota, and similar to the top rates in DC, Maryland, and Vermont. Numerous studies show that these places have not experienced negative economic effects from out-migration of multi-millionaires. In fact, they have been able to invest in public goods like education and transportation that strengthen their economies.This amendment will increase fairness; strengthen the foundations of our economy, including our workforce; and benefit communities across the state. In the long run, this will benefit all of us. Mohamad Ali is the Chief Executive Officer of IDG. Previous Next

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< 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

About The Fair Share Amendment In November 2022, Massachusetts voters passed the Fair Share Amendment, choosing a fairer tax system and guaranteeing that the richest one percent will pay more to fund our public schools, colleges, roads, bridges, and public transit . The Fair Share Amendment established a 4 percent tax on the portion of a taxpayers’ annual income above $1 million (increased annually for inflation — the threshold in 2026 is $1,107,750), and constitutionally dedicates the funds to be spent only on transportation and public education . More than three years later, the Fair Share Amendment is an unqualified success that’s serving as a model for other states that want to invest in quality public services with a fairer tax system. The new tax generated $2.46 billion in its first full fiscal year, and $3 billion in its second full year. That’s more than double the state’s initial expectations, and more than even proponents predicted. Fair Share-funded investments are making Massachusetts more affordable, competitive, and equitable , and helping build a stronger economy that works for all of us . Since the Fair Share Amendment was passed by popular vote on the ballot, Massachusetts saw its largest population increase in 60 years , we were ranked the strongest state economy in the country and the nation's best state to live in (twice!) and we rose 10 spots on the list of fairest state tax systems . And a recent study found that the number of millionaires and ultra-wealthy individuals rose significantly in the two years after the Fair Share Amendment was passed. The following text is the exact language that is now part of our state constitution: To provide the resources for quality public education and affordable public colleges and universities, and for the repair and maintenance of roads, bridges and public transportation, all revenues received in accordance with this paragraph shall be expended, subject to appropriation, only for these purposes. In addition to the taxes on income otherwise authorized under this Article, there shall be an additional tax of 4 percent on that portion of annual taxable income in excess of $1,000,000 (one million dollars) reported on any return related to those taxes. To ensure that this additional tax continues to apply only to the commonwealth’s highest income taxpayers, this $1,000,000 (one million dollars) income level shall be adjusted annually to reflect any increases in the cost of living by the same method used for federal income tax brackets. This paragraph shall apply to all tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2023.

Buses and Trains Buses and Trains Our public transportation network is stuck in the last century, and many pieces of our public transportation infrastructure are in dire need of repair and replacement. At the MBTA, decades of underinvestment has resulted in staffing shortages, operations cuts, delayed repairs, and shuttered stations. These issues don’t only make it difficult or impossible to travel conveniently and reliably; they’re also causing major safety concerns. No one should have to fear for their safety getting on a bus or train, yet old and outdated infrastructure is responsible for dangerous mishaps more and more often. Regional transit authorities around the state need more funding to provide vital evening and Sunday service. Additional regional bus routes would move commuters from train stations to their jobs, reduce congestion, and help boost local economies. And expanding rail service throughout the state can help link residents of cities and towns across the Commonwealth to better jobs and more opportunity. To help combat climate change over the coming decades, we need to dramatically improve and expand our public transportation systems across the state. Transit needs to be sustainable and green, with widespread electrification to move away from gas and other pollutants. Bringing our transit networks into the 21st century will require funding—and Question 1, the Fair Share Amendment, will provide it. Get the facts on what Question 1 means for racial and economic justice. READ THE RUNDOWN Help us make that Massachusetts a reality. JOIN US Join the team: VOLUNTEER FIND AN EVENT GET UPDATES

< Back Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Teachers Union Leaders Launch Canvass for Question 1 in Dorchester Oct 16, 2022 Congresswoman Pressley Joins Supporters of Fair Share Amendment Tax on Million-Dollar Earners to Invest in Transportation and Public Education BOSTON – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley today joined supporters of the Fair Share Amendment at the Lilla G. Frederick Pilot Middle School in Dorchester to kick off a door-to-door canvass for the proposed state tax on annual incomes above $1 million which would raise billions of dollars that are constitutionally dedicated to transportation and public education. The Fair Share Amendment is Question 1 on the November statewide ballot. “We know what is possible when we invest in our communities,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “Question 1 will generate $2 billion a year in vital revenue to make our education and transportation systems more equitable, accessible, and affordable for everyone. How we choose to invest our resources is a reflection of our values, and I'm proud to stand with the organizers, advocates, and leaders committed to making good schools, affordable colleges, safe roads, and reliable public transportation a reality for every resident of Massachusetts.” At Sunday’s canvass kick-off, Congresswoman Pressley and campaign supporters, including NEA President Becky Pringle, Massachusetts Teachers Association President Max Page, Boston Teachers Union President Jessica Tang, and BPS student Khasim Saeed spoke to volunteers about their support for the Fair Share Amendment and the difference it would make for schools in Boston and throughout Massachusetts. “We all agree that every student deserves a well-resourced public school, where their potential isn’t limited by strained budgets or a shortage of teachers,” said NEA President Becky Pringle. “But while working Bay Staters struggle to make ends meet, the rich are getting richer and multimillionaires aren’t paying their fair share to ensure Massachusetts students realize their dreams. I enthusiastically support ‘Yes on Question 1,’ because it’s time for Massachusetts multimillionaires to support the future of this commonwealth.” Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA) President Max Page said educators are the most trusted and respected people in their communities on education issues. “Passing the Fair Share Amendment is the focus of intensifying MTA grassroots efforts, which draws support from our 115,000 members across the state,” said Page. “It’s a visionary and urgent proposal and educators are continuing to have those crucial one-on-one conversations with their colleagues, neighbors, friends and family about how a YES vote will mean a reliable source of funds for our public schools, colleges, and transportation systems.” “When Question 1 passes, we can make Massachusetts’s tax system fairer, create long-term investments that build our communities, and ensure broad prosperity for all,” added Page. “It’s a win-win.” “BTU is proud to endorse the Fair Share Amendment campaign because our students and communities deserve to access the high-quality public education and safe, reliable public transportation that this tax will fund,” said Boston Teachers Union President Jessica Tang. “Investments in our public schools and transportation are imperative to the Commonwealth’s ability to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, and a fair share tax will help to give our students the social-emotional supports, modern school buildings, and smaller class sizes they need.” “Without proper funding we can’t have new and safe buildings for students to thrive in, or modern textbooks with proper knowledge and information, or reliable transportation to get to school,” said Khasim Saeed, a senior at Boston Community Leadership Academy. “By voting YES on Question 1, not only are you helping yourself but you’re also helping the future leaders of this country, with new textbooks, modernized buildings for all schools, and quicker and better transportation for all of the people of this city.” Melanie Allen, a Learning Specialist at the Rafael Hernández Dual Language K-8 School in Roxbury, described the many additional personnel her school has been able to hire using federal pandemic relief funds. “When you've been hustling as long as we have, this feels like a luxury. But it' not. It's the basics of what all kids need, but only some kids actually get," said Allen. "When those federal funds run out in two years, then what? Back to triage? No! We need to pass Question 1. No more one-time funding that runs out. No more running out on our kids. No more running out on our future." Then, canvassers headed out to speak to Boston voters about how the Fair Share Amendment would help improve our public schools and colleges and our roads, bridges, and public transportation infrastructure, all by making the very rich pay their fair share. 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 Advocates for Massachusetts 'millionaires' tax' launch statewide campaign Paul Tuthill | WAMC Northeast Public Radio May 11, 2022 Advocates formally launched a campaign Wednesday to pass a ballot question in Massachusetts this November that would put a 4 percent surtax on household incomes topping $1 million. Advocates for Massachusetts 'millionaires' tax' launch statewide campaign At press conference they push back on claims by opponents of the ballot question Advocates formally launched a campaign Wednesday to pass a ballot question in Massachusetts this November that would put a 4 percent surtax on household incomes topping $1 million. A coalition of labor unions, social justice advocates, educators, transit advocates, and faith leaders vow to work tirelessly over the next six months to bring over the finish line a campaign that began almost a decade ago to amend the state constitution to permit a higher tax rate on the state’s highest income-earners. Jeron Mariani, the campaign manager for the Fair Share Amendment ballot campaign, said a new website has debuted and he announced plans for grassroots door-knocking. “While the rich got richer during the COVID-19 pandemic, working people and small businesses struggled and for that reason we’re excited to kick off the Fair Share Amendment campaign,” he said. If approved by voters in November, the constitutional amendment would put a 4 percent surtax on income that exceeds $1 million and dedicate the additional revenue to public education and transportation. The campaign now estimates it would bring in $1.3 billion a year. At the campaign kickoff virtual press conference Wednesday, speakers promoted the need for higher spending on schools and public transportation in low-income communities such as Lawrence and Fall River. Rabbi Liza Stern of Congregation Eitz Chayim in Cambridge, said there is a moral case for passing the ballot question. “For people who are blessed with the ability to make more than $1 million, it is an opportunity for them to do this uniquely human thing which is help create a strong community,” Stern said. The press conference also tried to rebut a couple of arguments against the so-called millionaires’ tax. Khrystian King, a City Councilor in Worcester, said the rich will not flee Massachusetts if the question passes. “If they were going to move, they would have moved a long time ago,” he said. "And, Gerly Adrien, owner of Tipping Cow Ice Cream in Somerville and Boston, said small business-owners will not be hit with a higher tax bill if the amendment is approved. “For my fellow small business owners; did you make $1 million last year in income – not your revenue but your income -- your personal income? No,” said Adrien. “The people who did make $1 million in income most likely paid less in taxes than you.” However, in an interview with WAMC in March, Springfield Regional Chamber President Nancy Creed said the amendment would negatively impact small business owners. “Based on how they have created their organizations – sole proprietors, s-corps – those kind of small businesses are the ones that are really going to get it.” Creed said. “They are certainly not millionaires, so this is more of a middle class tax than a wealthy tax.” Business-backed groups, who succeeded four years ago in getting the Fair Share Amendment knocked off the 2018 state ballot, are back in court complaining about the wording approved by the state Attorney General’s office to summarize the question on this year’s ballot. The opponents say the phrase “subject to appropriation by the legislature” is misleading to voters. Andrew Farnitano, a spokesman for the Fair Share campaign said the challenge has no merit. “Dedicating the funding from the Fair Share Amendment in the text of the constitution is the strongest possible way to ensure it goes to transportation and public education,” he said. “It is an iron-clad declaration that the money must be spent on those two areas.” The campaign is also touting endorsements from elected government bodies across Massachusetts including city councils in Springfield and Pittsfield. Previous Next

< Back A yes vote on Question 1 will expand opportunities for everyone By Elizabeth Warren and Ayanna Pressley Oct 25, 2022 The state would have more resources to support public schools, make public colleges affordable, and upgrade public transportation systems. When we think about the future of Massachusetts, we dream of a state where families can thrive. The Commonwealth is filled with resources and opportunities, but for far too long, deep inequities and disparities have persisted. For years, the wealthiest 1 percent have paid a smaller share of their income in local and state taxes than everyone else, preventing the state from making the investments needed to build opportunity for everyone in all of our communities. But this November we have the opportunity to change the status quo. Question 1 on the November ballot is the Fair Share Amendment, a chance to make sure everyone pays their fair share in taxes. And when everyone chips in equitably, the state will have more resources to support public schools, make public colleges affordable, and upgrade public transportation infrastructure. We encourage everyone to vote yes on Question 1. Students and their families are still reeling from the coronavirus pandemic. Schools are finally open, but students, parents, and teachers need more opportunities for individualized support systems, better school buildings, and more wraparound services, especially for mental and emotional health. The Fair Share Amendment will mean more funding for public schools to address long-standing barriers to learning. Our transportation systems, from roads and bridges to the woeful MBTA, are suffering from years of neglect. Road congestion and outdated, diesel-powered buses are literally choking our Commonwealth, and public transit remains unreliable, unaffordable, and inaccessible for too many residents. Voting yes on Question 1 will allow us to repair and replace crumbling physical infrastructure and move us toward a clean, efficient, accessible future. Passing the Fair Share Amendment will also help create more pathways for young people to realize good-paying jobs and success in life, from vocational and technical education to affordable public college that doesn’t bury them in debt. Question 1 is simple: It would create an additional 4 percent tax on the portion of an individual’s annual income above $1 million, and constitutionally dedicate the funds to transportation and public education.The first $1 million of a person’s earnings wouldn’t be affected by this measure. Only the million-and-first dollar is taxed, and then at just an additional four cents on every dollar over a million. Who will pay the most? A full 70 percent of the funds raised would come from those earning more than $5 million a year. Expanding opportunities for people to learn, grow, and thrive is essential to the future of our Commonwealth. That means boosting the chances for children in small towns with small tax bases to get a first-rate education. That means reducing air pollution from cars and bus fumes that are concentrated in communities of color. That means telling every person — not just the wealthy ones — that we’ll invest in their education after high school so that they can develop skills and certifications to build a prosperous future. Even though 99 percent of people in Massachusetts won’t pay a penny more under Question 1, a few billionaires are spending a lot of money to confuse voters. So let’s clear up a few things: Small-business owners wouldn’t be affected by this tax unless their business generates more than $1 million in profit. Last year, less than 1 percent of homes in Massachusetts sold for enough of a gain to be affected by Question 1. Since Question 1 would be written into the state constitution, the state would be constitutionally required to spend this new money on transportation and public education. That spending requirement would be constitutionally protected and could only be undone by the people of Massachusetts, not lawmakers. By funding public schools, colleges, and transportation systems, the Fair Share Amendment will help build greater opportunity in every community in Massachusetts. Our current tax system is unjust and inequitable; those at the very top can afford to pay a little more to help build an economy and a Commonwealth that is safer, more sustainable, and works better for everyone. This November, the choice belongs to voters. We have the chance to say, loud and clear, that we value our young people, we support all of our communities, and that everyone — including the multimillionaires and billionaires — should pay their fair share. Elizabeth Warren is a US senator from Massachusetts, and US Representative Ayanna Pressley represents the Massachusetts Seventh Congressional District. 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 26 Housing & Community Development Orgs from Across MA Endorse Fair Share Amendment to Invest in Transportation and Public Education Jul 6, 2022 BOSTON – Fair Share for Massachusetts, 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 26 housing and community development organizations from across the state. “We hope voters see the wisdom and value in securing $2 billion in order to improve the Massachusetts economy by repairing roads, bridge and public transportation, infrastructure most of us use every day,” said Philip Giffee, Executive Director of Neighborhood of Affordable Housing (NOAH). “In addition, the Amendment will enable the Commonwealth to invest more in public education such as much-needed STEM programs. We need to invest in our young folks so they are skilled at helping create a vibrant economy when they take charge.” The 26 housing and community development organizations include nonprofit affordable housing developers, tenants rights groups, and community development corporations (CDCs) from communities including Boston, Cambridge, Cape Cod, Chelsea, Chesterfield, Fitchburg, Franklin County, Lawrence, Northampton, Somerville, Springfield, and Worcester. “Right now, working families in Springfield are working harder than ever just to keep up with their bills and stay in their homes. But throughout the pandemic, Massachusetts’ multimillionaires and billionaires just kept getting richer,” said Rose Webster-Smith, Program Director of Springfield No One Leaves . “With the Fair Share Amendment, only the super rich will pay more, and we’ll all benefit from better roads, more reliable public transit, and great public schools and colleges that give students the resources they need to succeed.” “This November, voters will have a unique opportunity to directly shape the future of our Commonwealth,” said Joe Kriesberg, President and CEO of the Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations (MACDC) . “By voting Yes on this initiative, we can ensure a more equitable and prosperous future for ourselves and for future generations — a future where all children receive the great education they deserve and where all of us can access the reliable transportation we need to work, shop, play and thrive.” “Lawrence CommunityWorks supports Fair Share because we believe that everyone in Massachusetts must contribute according to their ability, for the shared prosperity and growth of all,” said Jessica Andors, Executive Director of Lawrence CommunityWorks, Inc. “As a Community Development Corporation providing thousands of Bostonians with affordable housing options, we support the needs of vital everyday issues such as public transportation, roads, and schools,” said Lee Nave, Co-Interim Community Organizing Director of Codman Square Community Development Corporation . “The Fair Share Amendment will generate an estimated $2 billion dollars annually to invest in Massachusetts, from the streets of Codman Square to the people we serve every day.” The housing and community development organizations join more than 215 organizations and thousands of activists across the state who are working together to win the Fair Share Amendment on the ballot. 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. The full list of endorsing housing and community development organizations is below, and a full list of organizations that have endorsed the Fair Share Amendment is available at fairsharema.com/endorsements . A Better Cambridge Allston Brighton Community Development Corporation Asian Community Development Corporation City Life / Vida Urbana Codman Square NDC Codman Square Neighborhood Council Community Development Partnership of Cape Cod Fenway CDC Franklin Regional Council of Governments Hilltown CDC Homeowners Rehab Inc. Inquilinos Boricuas en Accion (IBA) JPNDC Lawrence CommunityWorks MACDC Madison Park Development Corporation Massachusetts Affordable Housing Alliance NewVue Communities NOAH Nuestra Comunidad CDC Roxbury Somerville Community Corporation Springfield No One Leaves The Neighborhood Developers Inc. Valley CDC (Northampton) Wellspring Cooperative Corporation Worcester Common Ground, Inc. Background on the Fair Share Amendment The Fair Share Amendment on the November ballot will allow Massachusetts to improve our transportation and public education systems by making the very rich pay their fair share. The ballot question would create a 4 percent tax on the portion of a person’s annual income above $1 million and dedicate the funds raised to 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. ### 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. Learn more at FairShareMA.com. Previous Next

Stories The Fair Share Amendment is making an enormous difference for people all across Massachusetts. These are our stories. SHARE YOUR STORY