Proposition 1
If you've followed my campaign, you've probably heard me talking about Proposition 1. When I'm elected, I plan to submit it to the legislature in my very first budget. If the Legislature fails to act, I'll organize and promote efforts to get it before the voters. Here's what it'll do:
- Set Aside 40 Percent of State Annual Tax Revenues for Local Aid: Over the past few years, elected politicians on Beacon Hill have been able to 'balance the budget" by cutting local aid, which is money that the state gives back to communities for schools, cops, and other local services. That's why less than 30 percent of today's tax receipts go to support localities. By increasing that support to 40 percent - a plan proposed by the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation - we can have a profound impact on municipal finances.
- Stabilize Property Taxes: Under Proposition 1, property values will be capped at the time of purchase until the property is sold. Thus, the system will provide more certainty to homeowners since they will not face any overwhelming jumps in property taxes from reassessment.
- Remove All Academic and Activity Fees From Public Schools: There's no excuse for such fees, and localities shouldn't be in a position where they feel as if they have to penalize their own children for being active and involved. By increasing local aid to 40 percent, localities will no longer be in that position.
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