MassBudget research materials on the Fair Share Amendment

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. June 18, 2018 MassBudget research materials on the Fair Share Amendment In light of today's expected Supreme Judicial Court decision, here are resources on the tax, education, and transportation issues that would be addressed by the ballot question.  Taxes Building a Strong Economy: The Roles of Education, Transportation, and Tax Policy (January 2016) analyzes the evidence on the effects of investments in the education of our people and in improving our roads, bridges, and public transit systems, as well on the likely economic effects of tax reforms that would bring the overall level of state and local taxation for very high-income households close to that of other residents. What Has Happened in Other States with High Tax Rates on Million-Dollar Incomes? (May 2018) finds that other states that have introduced top income tax rates on par or higher than proposed in Massachusetts have not seen slower growth in number of residents with million-dollar incomes. Sweeter than SALT: Highest-Income Households Get Federal Tax Cuts More Than Twice SALT Losses (January 2018) examines the impact of the new federal tax law on those with annual incomes over $1 million. Massachusetts Ranks About Average for Taxes in FY 2015 (September 2017) ranks states according to the portion of total income spent on state and local taxes - and finds Massachusetts is at about the national average. Funding Improvements for Schools, Roads, and Public Transit with Tax Reforms that Improve Fairness (Updated January 2018) examines how a tax on income over $1 million would affect the distribution of income and taxes in the state. The Evidence on Millionaire Migration and Taxes (Updated January 2018) examines the evidence on the likely migration effects of raising income taxes on high-income households-those with taxable annual income above $1 million-and the impacts on net state revenue. Education Education and State Economic Strength: A Snapshot of Current Data (August 2017) finds that having the nation's best-educated workforce has helped make Massachusetts one of the highest-wage states in the country; and that community colleges play a particularly important role in the postsecondary education of students from Gateway Cities. Educated and Encumbered (March 2018) shows how deep cuts over the years in state support for Massachusetts public higher education contributed to increases in tuition and fees, as well as student debt from 2001 to 2016. Roadmap to Expanding Opportunity: Evidence-Based Strategies to Support Kids from Pre-K to 12th Grade (2014-2018) a series of reports that looks at promising, evidence-based strategies to better support all kids in our Commonwealth. Examines best practices in implementation and costs. Transportation How Slow Sales Tax Growth Causes Funding Problems for the MBTA (January 2018) examines how slower than anticipated growth of sales taxes has meant lower revenue for the transit authority and is likely to continue in the future. Maintaining an Effective Transportation System (March 2016) examines current levels of state investment in roads, bridges, and the public transit system and finds them insufficient to ensure they remain in good working order. Funding Improvements for Schools, Roads, and Public Transit with Tax Reforms that Improve Fairness (Updated January 2018) examines how a tax on income over $1 million would affect the distribution of income and taxes in the state. The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 15 Court Square, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02108