Massachusetts voters to decide millionaire tax, drivers license ballot questions

By STEVE LeBLANC Associated Press

BOSTON - Two of the most closely watched contests to be decided by voters in Massachusetts are ballot questions - one that would create a tax aimed at millionaires and another that would repeal a law allowing those in the country illegally to obtain a state driver's license.

Ballot question No. 1 would add an amendment to the state constitution imposing a 4% surtax on the portion of an individual's annual income that exceeds $1 million.

Watch: Question 1 Debate

Those making up to $1 million, but not exceeding that amount, wouldn't pay new taxes.

Supporters - including labor unions, community organizations and religious groups - have argued that the new tax would generate about $2 billion in annual revenue that could be used for education and transportation.

Opponents, including business groups, warned the measure could end up costing jobs and driving away some of the state's wealthiest citizens.

The state's constitution currently requires all income be taxed at uniform rates. The $1 million threshold would be adjusted each year to reflect cost-of-living increases.

A second question - No. 4 on the ballot - would repeal a new law allowing immigrants in the country illegally to obtain state driver's licenses.

Watch: Question 4 Debate

The measure became law after the Democrat-controlled Massachusetts House and Senate overrode a veto by Republican Gov. Charlie Baker in June.

Under the new law, those in the country illegally will be able to apply for a driver's license if they can provide the Registry of Motor Vehicles with a foreign passport or consular identification document.

They must also provide one of five additional documents: a driver's license from another U.S. state or territory; a birth certificate; a foreign national identification card; a foreign driver's license; or a marriage certificate or divorce decree from any U.S. state or territory.

The new law is set to take effect July 1, 2023.

The law was a win for immigrant rights groups that had long pushed for the measure, framing it as a public safety measure. They said those seeking licenses will have to show they can properly operate a car and will be less likely to flee after a crash.

Critics, including Republican Gov. Charlie Baker and GOP candidate for governor Geoff Diehl, said the law could make it easier for those in the country illegally to be able to vote. Supporters say the law prohibits immigrants without legal permission to reside in the U.S. from being automatically registered to vote.

Sixteen other states and the District of Columbia have similar laws.

There are two other questions on the ballot.

Question No. 2, if approved, would regulate dental insurance rates, including requiring companies to spend at least 83% of premiums on member dental expenses and quality improvements instead of administrative expenses, and by making other changes to dental insurance regulations.

Question No. 3, if approved, would increase the number of licenses a retailer could have for the sale of alcoholic beverages to be consumed off premises, limit the number of "all-alcoholic beverages" licenses a retailer could acquire, restrict use of self-checkout, and require retailers to accept customers' out-of-state identification.