Around New England

Largest Teachers Union In Massachusetts Has Poured More Than $10 Million Into Pro-‘Millionaires Tax’ Referendum Committee

October 27, 2022

The Massachusetts Teachers Association has contributed more than $10 million in cash to Fair Share Massachusetts, the referendum committee stumping for a ballot question that would increase income taxes on people who earn more than $1 million a year.

The teachers union has also given more than $325,000 to the referendum committee in so-called in-kind contributions, meaning goods and services as opposed to cash.

The Massachusetts Teachers Association is the largest teachers union in Massachusetts.

The proposed amendment to the state constitution would add a 4 percent surcharge to the state’s current income tax level (which is a flat 5 percent) on incomes of $1 million or more. Supporters say the extra tax revenue would go to public education and transportation, though the amendment would not prevent the state legislature from spending the money on something else.

The so-called “Millionaires’ Tax” is Question 1 on the ballot on Tuesday, November 8.

Below are lists of cash contributions and in-kind contributions, with links to the corresponding report, taken from the web site of the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance.

Massachusetts Teachers Association Cash Contributions

September 15, 2022 $6,000,000

March 30, 2022 $1,000,000

May 9, 2022 $1,500,000

June 6, 2022 $1,500,000

May 11, 2021 $ 45,000

January 30, 2020 $ 20,000

August 24, 2020 $ 50,000

February 25, 2019 $25,000

May 6, 2019 $5,000

July 22, 2019 $75,000

Total: $10,220,000