A proposed income tax cut in Massachusetts will not appear on the ballot after the state’s highest court ruled the attorney general’s summary was misleading. The measure, which aimed to gradually reduce the state’s 5% income tax rate to 4% over three years, was challenged by opponents who argued that the summary provided by Attorney General Andrea Campbell’s office was flawed and unfair.

Background

The lawsuit, filed by longtime community organizer Lew Finfer and other opponents of the tax cut, claimed that the summary failed to make clear that the question’s passage would also reduce the tax rate for long-term capital gains income. Campbell’s office had argued that the summary was accurate, but the Supreme Judicial Court disagreed, ruling that the summary was ‘significantly misleading’ and likely to influence voters.

Supporters of the measure, including the Massachusetts Opportunity Alliance and Taxpayers for an Affordable Massachusetts, argued that the tax cut would help workers cope with the state’s high cost of living and make the state more attractive to businesses. However, opponents, including top legislative Democrats and labor unions, argued that the initiative would force cuts in popular public services and programs.

The court’s ruling was seen as a significant setback for supporters of the tax cut, who had gathered over 100,000 signatures in support of the measure. The Massachusetts Opportunity Alliance said it would continue to advocate for practical solutions to make Massachusetts more affordable and competitive, while Taxpayers for an Affordable Massachusetts called for a review of processes to ensure accountability and precision in future ballot preparations.

Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.