Cariddi Hosting Information Forum on Ballot Questions
 |
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — State Rep. Gailanne M. Cariddi of North Adams is hosting an informational forum this week on ballot questions.
The event will be held Thursday, Oct. 23, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on the third floor of the North Adams Public Library.
Cariddi will explain the four referundums being presented to voters in the Nov. 4 general election: eliminating gas tax indexing, expanding the bottle bill to cover noncarbonated beverages, prohibiting casinos and instituting earned sick time.
The forum will give the public an opportunity to learn about the questions and how residents and communities will be affected. Each of the questions will have a distinct impact on both public and private enterprises.
Cariddi welcomes 1st Berkshire District residents to attend. For questions, call 617-722-2450 or 413-664-6812. More information on the questions can also be found here.
Question 1: Eliminating Gas Tax Indexing
Do you approve of a law that would reverse a current law that funds road and bridge repairs?
This proposed law would eliminate the requirement that the state's gasoline tax, which was 24 cents per gallon as of September 2013, (1) be adjusted every year by the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index over the preceding year, but (2) not be adjusted below 21.5 cents per gallon.
Question 2: Expanding the Beverage Container Deposit Law
Do you approve of a law that would include a deposit fee on non-carbonated beverage containers?
SUMMARY
This proposed law would expand the state's beverage container deposit law, also known as the Bottle Bill, to require deposits on containers for all non-alcoholic non-carbonated drinks in liquid form intended for human consumption, except beverages primarily derived from dairy products, infant formula, and FDA-approved medicines. The proposed law would not cover containers made of paper-based biodegradable material and aseptic multimaterial packages such as juice boxes or pouches.
Question 3: Expanding Prohibitions on Gaming
Do you approve of a law that would reverse the law currently in effect on gaming?
SUMMARY
This proposed law would (1) prohibit the Massachusetts Gaming Commission from issuing any license for a casino or other gaming establishment with table games and slot machines, or any license for a gaming establishment with slot machines; (2) prohibit any such casino or slots gaming under any such licenses that the Commission might have issued before the proposed law took effect; and (3) prohibit wagering on the simulcasting of live greyhound races.
Question 4: Earned Sick Time for Employees
Do you approve of a law that would allow employee to earn sick time?
SUMMARY
This proposed law would entitle employees in Massachusetts to earn and use sick time according to certain conditions.
Tags: ballot, election 2014, referendum,
