We need you to understand so you can act

I do not as a rule talk about politics, I think your right to vote is a sacred trust and therefore not something that can be adequately explored over a cup of coffee or even dinner. Now however I must ask you to listen to me. If you live in Massachusetts you will be asked to vote on 3 questions on the ballot this year, if you are registered to vote a voter info workbook was mailed to you at the address the voting co mission has on file. If you did not get your packet, call 1-800-462-VOTE (web site is: http://www.sec.state.ma.us/)and ask to have one sent to you (they have them in large print and Spanish, we have them in braille and on cassette here at the BTBL).

YOU MUST VOTE NO on question 1.

A yes vote will cut cause over $12 BILLION to vanish from the coffers, that revenue can not just be replaced overnight. If you believe in small government, this is not the way to get it. Vote for term limits, a part time legislature, but this is not the way.

Here is what the Mass Board of Library Commissioners has posted:


"Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners:

MBLC Takes a Stand on Question 1

An initiative to repeal the state income tax has qualified for the November 2008 ballot, as Question 1. A previous income tax repeal initiative appeared on the 2002 ballot, and received 45% of the vote (885,000 votes).

At its September 4, 2008 monthly Board meeting, The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) voted to oppose Question on the basis on that its enactment would essentially eliminate library services, programs, networks and entire systems that have made Massachusetts libraries among the strongest in the nation.

The Board unanimously approved the following motion:

Be it resolved that as the primary stewards of library service for all residents of the Commonwealth, the Board of Library Commissioners opposes Question on the basis that its enactment would have a severe impact on all types of libraries in Massachusetts and would result especially in an overwhelming and wholly destructive loss of public library services that are fundamental to the educational, social and economic well-being of all residents of the Commonwealth.

Income tax revenue generates about $11 billion of the state’s $28 billion annual operating budget. The Secretary of the Executive Office of Administration and Finance stated that the loss of the income tax would result in a 60% across the board cut in state budgets. Rather than a single across the board budget reduction, the Board believes that it is much more likely that all state funding for library programs would be eliminated.

"Everything that the MBLC and the libraries worked so hard to create since the Board’s inception in 1890 would be destroyed," stated MBLC Chairman, George T. Comeau. "...

Impact on programs of the Board of Library Commissioners:

• The Board of Library Commissioners itself would continue to exist, but it would have no budget and no staff
  
• Elimination of State Aid to Public Libraries in place since 1890
  
• Elimination of regional library systems and library of last recourse
  
• Elimination of talking book libraries for the blind and disabled (this is no joke, the current budget cuts (as of 10/16) have already taken $86, 816 from our budget.)
  
• Elimination of funding for automated networks and licensed electronic content
  
• Elimination of matching funds for private fund raising
  
• Elimination of the public library construction program
  
• Elimination of Federal Library Services and Technology Act grants and statewide services
  

Impact on local public library service

The public library system of 1889 which is no system at all, but rather a stand-alone library in some towns and no library at all in others. No assurance of free access to other public libraries either "

I can only leave you with these words, you will be effectively put an end to the public library system, services for the disabled as they have been known for almost 100 years, and, yes, you will be putting me out of a job.

There are many examples of statements like what you see above, ask me and I will send you a copy of no less than six statements from agencies that stand to not even exist if this vote passes.