With all eyes focused on the sagging economy and the November 4th Presidential Election, Massachusetts voters voted 70% to defeat the ballot initiative that would have eliminated the state personal income tax taking 12.7 billion-nearly 40%- out of the state budget, driving up local property taxes and leading to drastic cuts in services. 

The Committee for Small Government supported a similar initiative in 2002 that was defeated, receiving 45.3% of the vote.  With the worsening economy on everyone's mind, a potential boost in savings from the elimination of the state personal income tax might have lured voters to support the initiative in 2008.  Labor unions understood the devastating affects the initiative would have on its members and their communities so they partnered with various activists holding weekly strategic meetings in counties across the state. 

Prior to the election, Local 1459 participated in rallies, phone banks, pledge card sign-ups, and visibility standouts across the Pioneer Valley to get the word out about the devastating affects of the reckless initiative.  Our message resonated with voters in many communities who knew "times were hard, lets not make them harder".  The end result on November 4th proved that voters did grasp and understand the real issues at hand and would not turn to desperate, ill responsible means to solve their problems.

The defeat of the initiative to eliminate the state personal income tax was a victory and defining moment for many residents across the state who were reminded of the services they depend on and appreciate each and every day.