After polling our members, we are proud to endorse a YES vote on all five questions. Each question received over 85% support from our members.
VOTE YES on Question 1 to clarify that the State Auditor has the authority to audit the Legislature. Such audits have occurred in the past, and efforts to increase transparency of the MA Legislature are critical as our state often ranks last in state rankings of open government (and, indeed, remains the only state where all three branches of government claim full exemption from public records law).
VOTE YES on Question 2 to replace the use of the standardized MCAS test as a high school graduation requirement with a requirement based on successful mastery of coursework. Putting so much emphasis on a single test — as opposed to the regular, ongoing assessments teachers do in the classroom — forces teachers to teach test-taking skills instead of infusing critical thinking and individualized learning into classrooms. High-stakes standardized testing is notorious for biases against English Language Learners, students with special needs, and students of color, and all students suffer from the increased anxiety that high stakes impose.
VOTE YES on Question 3 to give Uber and Lyft drivers the option to form a union to collectively bargain for better pay, working conditions, and job protections. Drivers have faced high costs, low take-home pay, and unexplained deactivations. Although the recent settlement between Uber and Lyft and the Attorney General secured wins for drivers, greater driver voice and workplace power is essential to protecting and building upon such wins.
VOTE YES on Question 4 to enable therapeutic access to natural psychedelic medicines (such as psilocybin) that show promise in treating mental health conditions. It creates a regulatory framework to govern their use and decriminalizes limited personal use. Recent research has shown their value in helping individuals suffering from anxiety, depression, PTSD, or alcohol/substance abuse, and states like Oregon and Colorado have taken the lead on establishing a regulated, therapeutic framework for their use.
VOTE YES on Question 5 to ensure that tipped workers receive the full minimum wage, with tips on top. Currently, the tipped wage in MA is $6.75 per hour, with an expectation that employers ensure that all workers get a full minimum wage after tips. However, wage theft in the restaurant industry is common, and the power imbalance of a heavy reliance on tipping leads to high rates of sexual harassment. In states that have moved toward a One Fair Wage model, workers end up with greater take-home pay, strong tipping rates continue, and the restaurant industry thrives.
