2024 Ballot Question Guide

Every election cycle, the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance publishes their views on relevant ballot questions related to our mission. If you received the voter guide red book mailed to you by the Secretary of State, you will see Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance was quoted throughout the book. This year, we feel that all five are relevant. Please see our detailed recommendations below and make sure to get out to vote! Vote YES on 1, and NO on the rest.

Vote Yes on Question 1 to Audit the Legislature

Massachusetts has one of the most opaque and secretive legislatures in the entire country. It’s one of the few legislative bodies to exempt itself from both the open meeting laws and public records laws. At a time when the number of contested legislative races hits record lows and power is increasingly concentrated in the hands of the Speaker and Senate President, independent scrutiny of the House and Senate is more necessary than ever. Giving the elected Auditor the authority to audit the Legislature’s books would ensure transparency and accountability without interfering with policymaking or compromising the Legislature's independence.

We urge a YES vote on Question 1.

(MassFiscal was quoted in the voter guide red book urging a Yes vote on Question 1).

Vote No on Question 2 – Keep the MCAS as a Graduation Requirement

Massachusetts has the highest rated school system in the country and much of this is due to the accountability provided by the MCAS tests. Eliminating the MCAS graduation requirement would change that and could potentially harm the economic future of our state by threatening the quality of the future workforce in Massachusetts. The MCAS helps ensure students have acquired basic and essential skills needed to succeed in the modern economy, particularly in fields like technology, engineering, and finance that require strong foundations in math and literacy. Without a standardized test like the MCAS to measure the success of students across the board, measuring student outcomes would become more difficult and the guarantee that our Massachusetts schools are equipping students for success would become less certain. Businesses may see an increase in unprepared job applicants, and companies could be forced to invest more in basic training.

A strong education system is critical for maintaining Massachusetts' competitive edge, and keeping the MCAS ensures a reliable talent pipeline for the business community.

We urge a NO vote on Question 2.

Vote No on Question 3 – Don’t Force Uber Drivers to Unionize

Due to a recent settlement between rideshare companies and the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office, rideshare drivers are now already guaranteed the following:

  • Base pay of $32.50 per hour with yearly increases
  • Paid Sick Leave
  • Paid Family Medical Leave
  • Healthcare Stipend
  • On-the-Job Injury Insurance
  • Anti-Discrimination Protections
  • Domestic Violence Leave
  • Anti-Retaliation Protections
  • Appeals Process

Most of the complaints that led to this question making the ballot have thus been addressed and what is left is nothing but a union power grab. If this question were to pass, drivers will have no control over leadership of that union and will pay significant dues without real representation.

This proposal also potentially violates federal labor law by lowering the threshold of interest needed to call to unionize from the federally mandated 30% to just 2.5% of drivers, leaving many without a voice and exposing the Commonwealth to costly and drawn-out litigation.
The flexibility that comes with being an independent contractor is the very thing that attracts many workers and makes these apps so popular with consumers. This ballot question will eliminate that flexibility, increase costs, and limit availability of these services to customers.

We urge a NO vote on Question 3.

(MassFiscal was quoted in the voter guide red book urging a No vote on Question 3).

Question 4 – Vote No on the Legalization of Psychedelics

The legalization of psychedelics could introduce a host of uncertainties and potential liabilities for businesses in our state. While research into the medical benefits of psychedelics is ongoing, the widespread legalization without sufficient research and regulation could lead to issues with workplace safety, employee wellness, and compliance with federal law, as psychedelics remain illegal at the federal level.

Many employers are concerned about how legalized psychedelics would affect workforce productivity and liability, particularly in industries that require precision, focus, and safety. A No vote would allow for further research and regulation, ensuring businesses can maintain safe and productive environments while waiting for clearer guidelines from both state and federal regulators.

We urge a NO vote on Question 4.

Question 5 – Vote No to Protect Tips for Waitstaff

Most restaurant owners and most waitstaff themselves oppose question 5. The current system allows restaurants to balance wages with tips in a way that benefits both businesses and employees. Increasing the minimum wage for tipped workers would lead to higher operating costs for small restaurants, reduced tips for employees, and even job cuts. Most waitstaff already make significantly above minimum wage and the elimination of tips would result in a drastic decline in pay. A No vote protects the current system, which already guarantees that workers earn at least the state minimum wage through a combination of base wages and tips.

We urge a NO vote on Question 5.


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