The Massachusetts Automatic Gas Tax Increase Repeal Initiative, Question 1 was on the November 4, 2014 statewide ballot. Approved by voters, the measure repeals a 2013 law that would automatically adjust gas taxes according to inflation, allowing for automatic annual increases in the state's gas tax.News Telegram, "Referendums could deep-six casinos, gas tax," November 29, 2013
The law that this initiative repeals would also have put a minimum cap on gas taxes to prevent gas tax decreases in the case of deflation. The tax increase was part of a transportation funding package that was vetoed by Governor Deval Patrick (D) because he wanted an even greater tax increase. Patrick's veto was overruled by a House vote of 123 to 33 and a Senate vote of 35 to 5.Masslive.com, "Massachusetts lawmakers override Gov. Deval Patrick's veto of bill to raise taxes by $500 million," July 24, 2013
Tank the Gas Tax, an organization supporting the initiative, stated that they collected at least 18,500 signatures by June 9, 2014. They turned in the signatures on June 18, 2014 in an attempt to qualify the initiative for the ballot. The measure was certified for the 2014 ballot on July 2, 2014.New England Public Radio, "4 Ballot Questions Before Mass. Voters," July 3, 2014
The question passed with 53% of voters in favor."Election Results – Nov. 4, 2014" WBZ. November 6, 2014
Text of measure
Ballot summary Massachusetts Secretary of State, "Question 1: Eliminating Gas Tax Indexing," accessed September 17, 2014
Full text
Background
State gas tax In 2013, the Democratic-controlled state legislature passed House Bill 3847, which raised the state's gas tax from 21 to 24 cents per gallon and automatically tied the tax rate to inflation for future years, meaning it would increase by the same annual percentage as the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This marked the first increase in the tax since 1991. Given that the CPI has averaged approximately one or two percent during the past several years, the tax would likely increase by half a penny or less per year.Fox News, "Automatic gas tax emerging as key campaign issue in Massachusetts," May 26, 2014Tax Foundation, "Massachusetts Ballot Referendum Challenges Gas Tax Indexing," July 22, 2014
Voter guide summary
Support The measure is sponsored by the group Tank the Gas Tax.
Supporters
Officials State Rep. Geoff Diehl (R-7) State Rep. Kevin Kuros (R-8)Worcester Telegram & Gazette, "Repeal of casino law, capping eternal gas tax, among ballot questions," December 9, 2013 State Rep. Ryan Fattman (R-18) State Rep. Shaunna O'Connell (R-3)Cape Cod Today, "Gas tax indexing question on 2014 ballot," November 22, 2013 State Rep. Jim Lyons (R-18)
Individuals Jeffrey T. Kuhner, President of the Edmund Burke Institute for American RenewalWashington Post, "Boston’s second Tea Party," December 5, 2013 Bill Vernon, Director and National Federation of Independent Business Massachusetts
Arguments Tank the Gas Tax deemed the tax a slippery slope.
Campaign contributions +Total campaign cash as of October 30, 2014 Support $94,318 Opposition $1,884,722
As of October 30, 2014, one campaign organization had received an aggregate total of $94,318 in contributions.OCPF, "Question 1: Eliminating Gas Tax Indexing," accessed October 30, 2014
PAC/Ballot measure group Amount raised Amount spent Committee to Tank the Automatic Gas Tax Hikes $94,318 $75,173 Total $94,318 $75,173
A1 Auto $10,000 Liberty Initiative Fund $5,000 Strong Economy for Growth $5,000 Strong Economy Massachusetts Independent Expenditures PAC $5,000 Massachusetts Ambulance Association $2,500
Opposition The official opposition campaign is called Vote No on Question One, in conjunction with the Committee for Safer Roads and Bridges.Vote No on Question One, "FAQs," accessed September 30, 2014
Opponents Governor Deval Patrick (D)Boston Herald, "Gov. Patrick lashes out at push to repeal gas tax law," December 2, 2013 Medford Mayor Michael J. McGlynnMedford Transcript, "Medford Mayor Michael McGlynn supports No vote on Question 1," October 22, 2014 Committee for Safer Roads and BridgesMassachusetts Secretary of State, "Massachusetts Information for Voters: 2014 Ballot Questions," accessed September 30, 2014 Kristina Egan, Director of Transportation for MassachusettsThe Daily Free Press, "Massachusetts advocacy networks weigh in on four upcoming ballot questions," October 30, 2014
Arguments
Campaign contributions As of October 30, 2014, one campaign organization had received an aggregate total of $1,884,722 in contributions.
PAC/Ballot measure group Amount raised Amount spent NO on One Committee $1,884,722 $438,200 Total $1,884,722 $438,200
CIM Advancement Fund $200,000 American Council of Engineering Companies of Massachusetts $145,000 Mass Aggregate & Asphalt Pavement Association $100,000 Suffolk Construction Company, Inc. $100,000 Utility Contractors Association of New England Inc. $100,000 Flagship Associates LLC $90,000
Media editorial positions
Support The Worcester Telegram & Gazette recommended a "yes" vote.
Opposition The Boston Globe advocated a "no" vote.
Polls
External links
Basic information Text of the Automatic Gas Tax Increase Repeal Initiative Online poll: Do you think the gas tax should be repealed Secretary of State guide to state ballot measures Massachusetts 2014 Voter Guide
Support
Tank the Automatic Gas Tax Facebook page Conservative Focus website
Opposition Vote No on Question One Boston Herald, "Gov. Patrick lashes out at push to repeal gas tax law," December 2, 2013 PatriotLedger.com, "Patrick: Don’t repeal automatic gas tax hikes," December 2, 2013
Further reading WCVB.com, "Massachusetts ballot question to target gas tax increases," August 6, 2013
References