The Boston Globe reports that yesterday, voters turned in more than enough signatures to put a measure on the November ballot that would reduce the state sales tax to 3 percent. Currently, Massachusetts has one of the nation's highest sales tax rates. Opponents of the legislation are busy scaring the public into thinking the State will no longer be able to fund the school system and police force. The reality is that Massachusetts' 6.25 percent sales tax is driving consumers out of the state to lower tax jurisdictions and thus they are losing significant amounts of revenue. A lower sales tax rate of 3 percent would make Massachusetts a more attractive choice for consumers, reducing the incentive for Massachusetts' residents to shop in neighboring states like New Hampshire and Maine. More consumer spending will also hasten the end of the recession. Now all that's left to do is for the people of Massachusetts to approve this law in November.
