Prop*50

Massachusetts: 3 initiatives qualified for November

The Massachusetts secretary of state's office has determined that three of the four initiatives submitted for the November ballot have gathered sufficient signatures.  They would repeal the state's sales tax on alcohol, reduce the sales tax rate from 6.25 percent to 3 percent, and repeal a law that establishes a streamlined permitting process for low- to moderate-income housing.  The fourth initiative that failed to submit sufficient signatures would have limited carbon dioxide emissions from certain renewable and alternative energy sources.

Massachusetts: Up to 4 initiatives in November

Sponsors for four initiatives submitted their petitions to the secretary of state's office in Massachusetts yesterday.  The signatures have already been validated by local election officials.  The secretary of state's office must verify the totals provided by local officials, and will announce which measures have qualified for the ballot as soon as tomorrow.  NCSL will stay on the story and provide news of certification as soon as it's available.

The four petitions that were submitted are:

• Repeal the sales tax on alcohol
• Reduce the state sales tax rate from 6.25 to 3 percent
• Repeal a state law that allows a streamlined permitting process for government-subsidized affordable housing
• Redefine "renewable energy generating sources" as it pertains to retail electricity suppliers that rely on waste-to-energy and biomass sources to comply with renewable energy requirements