MOA-Inspired Ballot Proposals Gather 170,000+ Signatures, Soaring Past Goal
Two ideas to put more money in taxpayer pockets could be on the ballot next fall.
A pair of proposals to provide tax relief is one step closer to getting put before voters in 2026. Both proposed laws were inspired by MOA’s research on how to make Massachusetts a better place to work and live.
- A measure to reduce the individual income tax rate from 5% to 4% collected more than 87,200 signatures.
- A measure to return more money to taxpayers through a revision of the state’s revenue cap collected more than 86,600 signatures.
Together, these big ideas gathered more than 170,000 signatures from Massachusetts residents, each exceeding the required threshold to qualify for the 2026 ballot. They join at least eight other proposed measures that have announced they surpassed the state’s signature requirement. Now, local registrars and the secretary of state will review the signatures before the measures advance.
Let’s take a closer look at the proposals, and what’s next for these much-needed policy reforms.
Residents Want Tax Relief
Massachusetts has one of the steepest tax burdens in the country, with voters consistently saying their taxes are too high. In fact, it’s the number-one reason people decide to leave the state.
So it’s not surprising that a large majority of surveyed voters are in favor of these ballot initiatives — a sentiment underlined by the outpouring of signatures on both measures. In a MOA poll, roughly three-quarters of respondents said they support reducing the income tax rate from 5% to 4% percent, an opinion that holds across income brackets, political affiliations, and among union members. A similar majority support revising the revenue cap.
MOA’s research finds both ideas would let taxpayers keep more of their hard-earned money.
Lowering the income tax rate from 5% to 4% percent over three years would save the average taxpayer roughly $1,300 annually – an important income boost to help spur the state economy – and boost GDP by as much as $17.5 billion.
Additionally, revising Massachusetts’ existing revenue cap to reflect growth in actual income tax collections would chart a more responsible spending course for the state, while still funding the key government services residents need. Historically, the revenue cap has failed to effectively rein in spending. The proposed revision would still allow revenue to grow with the state and its taxpayers, but also trigger more frequent refunds when the state collects too much. That means taxpayers could expect thousands of dollars in excess funds returned in future years.
Now What?
Collecting a strong haul of signatures to advance in the ballot measure process is a huge step toward providing tax relief for Commonwealth residents. These signatures also sent an important message to Massachusetts lawmakers: Residents want to see lower taxes and more fiscal responsibility from the state government. Now, residents could have a chance to make a change.
As ballot campaigns continue in the coming months, Bay Staters will have more opportunities to make their voices heard.
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