Somerville Backs 'Millionaire Tax' On 2018 Ballot

SOMERVILLE, MA – The cities of Somerville, Lawrence, Lynn, Medford, New Bedford and Northampton this week filed an amicus brief in support of allowing the proposed "Fair Share Amendment" to appear on the 2018 ballot. The so-called "millionaire tax" would add a 4 percent surtax on income over $1 million in Massachusetts, which officials say would be used f0r transportation and education.

The State Legislature last year approved the question for the ballot, but it was challenged in the Supreme Judicial Court by multiple business groups. In filing the amicus brief, officials in the six communities argued that voters should have a chance to decide on a new source of funding for public needs.

"Education and transportation are two of the largest expenses for most municipalities and we often rely on state funding to complete projects," Mayor Joseph Curtatone said in a statement. "Every day I hear from residents who want more educational opportunities for their children or who know of a street or sidewalk that is in need of repair and I’m sure my fellow mayors hear similar requests. Our residents care about these issues, which is why we think it’s important they get a chance to vote on whether to establish a new funding stream for these public priorities."

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