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 1 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 1 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.

For more information: <http://mblc.state.ma.us/mblc/news/releases/past-releases/2008/nr080905.php>

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