Question 1 would repeal the newly enacted sales tax on alcohol products. We are not big fans of sin taxes. And in this case, too much money is bleeding north, to New Hampshire, where such a tax doesn’t exist. This will only get worse, and for retailers close to the state border, it could mean the loss of jobs or the end of business altogether. The state needs revenue, but not this way. We say YES ON 1.
Question 2 would repeal something far more important: the “Chapter 40B” statute that covers the development of affordable housing. As with most complex pieces of legislation, 40B is not perfect, and should be updated to reflect changes since its passage 40 years ago. But full repeal would leave the state without key guidelines that have served us well, so we recommend NO ON 2.
But neither of those is as clear-cut as Question 3, a truly dangerous idea that would lower the sales tax to three percent. It would be folly in better times; with the budget already slashed, it would be simply cruel. The enormous loss of state revenue would fall hardest on those most in need of state services. In the strongest possible terms, we urge you to vote NO ON 3.
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