Bill would help Randolph schools, transportation

To the Editor:

A proposed amendment to the Massachusetts Constitution would go a long ways in ameliorating two problems our town faces: supporting the Randolph Public Schools and increasing public transportation for residents without cars. The Fair Share Amendment (FSA) or “Millionaire’s Tax” would provide $1.9 billion every year in additional revenue to the State. These funds would be used solely to improve public education and transportation throughout the Commonwealth.  The money would come from an additional 4% state income tax only on those making over $1 million a year and only on their income above $1 million. There are few individuals in the State that would be affected, the top 1%. But their wealth is so vast that the added 4% would generate almost $2 billion a year! They pay a smaller share of their income in state and local taxes than any other income group. They’ve also benefited from repeated federal tax cuts: 83% of the 2017 tax cuts went to the top 1% and last year’s CARES Act included $135 billion in tax breaks for wealthy business owners.

The amendment is popular. The Massachusetts Legislature, sitting as a Constitutional Convention in June 2019, approved the FSA by 75%. Polls show over 70% approval by the public.

If you believe the wealthy should pay their fair share in investing in our common future, join us for a Forum on the Fair Share Amendment on Thursday, April 29 from 6:30-8 p.m. via ZOOM. It is sponsored by the Blue Hills chapter of Our Revolution Massachusetts.To register and get the ZOOM address, please send an email to [email protected]. At the forum you will learn more about the Fair Share Amendment and about the plans to get it passed into law.