From the Director
Ballot Question One could harm seniors
By Robert P. Dean
Much has been said and written about Question One on the November 4 ballot, and there will be even more discussion as election day nears. Question One seeks to eliminate the personal income tax here in Massachusetts. A “yes” vote would reduce the state personal income tax rate to 2.65% for the tax year beginning on January 1, 2009, and would eliminate the tax for all tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2010. A ‘no” vote would make no change in the state personal income tax. I have been asked by seniors and concerned advocates what I think the impact of the passage of Question One would be on seniors and others. In my opinion, the impact could be disastrous.
Approximately 40% to 45% of the annual state budget comes from revenue generated by the state’s personal income tax. This year’s budget is $28 billion, $12 to $13 billion of which is the result of the personal income tax. If voters repeal the state personal income tax on November 4, $12 to $13 billion and the services that this funding provides would need to be cut from the state budget. This could mean significant cuts to vital programs that serve three of our most vulnerable populations - children, individuals with disabilities, and seniors. While cuts might not be applied equally to all programs - the overall 40% to 45% reduction would have to be made somewhere. There could be dramatic cuts in local aid for our schools, to police and fire departments, to road and bridge repairs, to day care programs for children, to community colleges and universities, and to programs that serve seniors and individuals with disabilities. Reduced funding could also lead to job reductions and layoffs, and to lost jobs - those who provide direct care services may be the hardest hit. Just about everyone who relies on state services will be hurt - some much more than others.
The state’s Home Care and Nutrition/Meals on Wheels programs, which help seniors to continue to live in their own homes with dignity and independence, could face serious reductions. Here at Elder Services our Home Care programs currently serve more than 1,000 Berkshire seniors a month, and provide assistance with such basic activities as getting dressed and ready for the day, and assistance in the bathroom. More than 400 Berkshire seniors could have these vital services reduced or could lose them entirely - placing their independence and their ability to continue to live at home at risk. Many of these seniors could also be at risk of losing their Meals on Wheels - a lifeline that provides a hot nutritious noon-time meal each Monday through Friday and a wellness check to frail homebound seniors. In many cases, the Meals on Wheels driver, Case Manager or Personal Care Worker may be the only face-to-face contact a senior has that day.
Funding for the state’s Prescription Advantage Program, which helps seniors to pay for their prescription medications, could also face a significant cut, as could funding for nursing home care, and for many other services for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
There is also a growing concern that the elimination of the state personal income tax could lead to a significant increase in property and sales taxes, both of which could hit seniors - many of whom are on limited or fixed incomes - particularly hard.
At a recent meeting, the Board of Directors of Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc. voted unanimously to oppose Ballot Question One. I urge each of you to inform yourselves regarding the consequences and potential impact of Question One.
Robert P. Dean is Executive Director of Elder Services.
