The MTA is working with other groups to collect signatures to put a constitutional amendment on the November 2018 ballot. If passed, the ballot question would assess an additional income tax of 4% on income in excess of $1,000,000. This amount would increase by the cost-of-living each year to insure that the additional tax would only apply to those earning more than $1,000,000 in “2019 dollars.”
A person earning $1,000,000 in a calendar year would pay no additional tax. A person earning $1,000,001 in a calendar year would pay an additional tax of $0.04.
This may not seem like much – and it is not – but based on research the additional tax would raise more than a billion dollars in revenue each year. The idea is that the additional revenue would be used to increase funding for public education – including public higher education – and infrastructure.
There is public support for this amendment.
The MSCA asks you to consider signing the petition. You do not have to sign a petition at the campus you work at. Each campus has petitions available for you to sign, so you could go to a campus closer to where you live rather than the campus you work at if that is more convenient. Below are current locations and numbers you can call to arrange a time to sign.
MSCA President’s Office, Mass Maritime Academy: 508-830-6684
Bridgewater Chapter Office, 91 Burrill Ave., Bridgewater: 508-531-2271
Fitchburg Chapter Office, Miller Hall, Fitchburg: 978-665-3303
Framingham Chapter Office, 109 Crocker Hall, Framingham: 508-498-2258
MassArt Library, 13th Floor, Tower Building: 617-879-7115
MCLA Chapter Office, location to be determined
Salem Chapter Office, Sullivan Building, 2nd floor, Salem: 978-542-6366
Westfield Chapter Office, Parenzo Hall 010, Westfield: 413-572-5339
Worcester Chapter Office, Sullivan Building, Worcester: 508-929-8595