The group that won paid sick leave plans to ask voters to raise taxes on the rich

MASSterlist:

Here’s a big-time income inequality story… about to break

.. Raise Up Massachusetts, a coalition of community, religious and labor groups, is working on the language for a ballot petition that would create a higher tax rate for wealthiest Massachusetts residents. Raise Up’s aim is to generate upwards of a billion dollars or more of additional tax revenue by creating a graduated income tax. Soon, once they file with the AG next month, everyone will be covering this story.

I reported on Raise Up’s efforts in late April, and when I checked in with one of its leaders yesterday, he said it’s “likely” the group will go ahead with the ballot question. Leaders are trying to figure out what’s the best income level at which to boost the rate, and what tax rate should be proposed.. read more

We just announced our new issue agenda & priorities! Read our press release: http://t.co/Uw64DzQ3xc #mapoli

— Raise Up MA (@RaiseUpMA) March 26, 2015

Raise Up MA priorities:

1. establishing paid family and medical leave for all workers so people don’t have to choose between job & family
2. winning a living wage of $15 an hour for big box retail and fast food workers so people can get ahead and support their families and
3. making investments in transportation & education financed by asking the state’s highest income residents to pay their fair share