Massachusetts progressives are making another try at amending the state constitution to permit a graduated income tax. This is after unsuccessful efforts to do the same thing in 1962, 1968, 1972, 1976 and 1994.
But this time is different. In 1994, proponents were upfront about what they had in mind. They put two measures on the ballot – one to amend the constitution and a second to put a specific graduated rate structure before the voters for their approval. Now the plan is to let voters find out after they have approved the amendment exactly what they will be getting in the form of a graduated rate structure.
Will "Taxachusetts" soon join the undead? On Wednesday, lawmakers on Beacon Hill have an opportunity to drive a stake through the heart of that long-derided state nickname, by refusing to vote for a new 4 percent surcharge on million-dollar incomes.
If legislators give the proposed constitutional amendment the 50 votes needed to advance the measure, it will still take years to determine whether it becomes law. The soonest it could take effect would be 2018, but that presumes a second favorable vote by 50 legislators and then by voters, who have rejected earlier tax-increase proposals five times at the ballot box. That's not to suggest it faces long odds in a state dominated by Democrats and liberals banging the drum over "income inequality" and "tax fairness."
