Question 4 -- more important than the first three combined -- would reduce the state income
tax from 5.85 percent to 5 percent, which was the rate until 1989 when the "Massachusetts Miracle" collapsed in recession and red ink. At that time, and when the rate was raised again the following year, the raisers solemnly promised that once the recession ended the rate would be returned to 5 percent.
With eight years of continuous economic growth dating to 1992, 99.99 percent of those who can remember the recession believe it is over. But the .01 percent who believe that the 1989 emergency still obtains includes most of our legislators, who assure us that the sky would fall should the unwashed electorate have the temerity to approve this question.
It is obvious after 11 years that on its own the legislature will always have an excuse not to honor its promise. The state is simply awash in revenue and a reduction would be good for the economy. That is because -- on average, over time -- millions of people dispose of their money in a way that promotes economic growth more effectively than legislators do. It is essential that the people do the legislature's duty for it by approving Question 4.