Mold Remediation in Boston, MA

Massachusetts voters decide five ballot issues Tuesday, some very controversial issues that will have long-lasting impacts in the state.

The questions include giving union rights to drivers for ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft; gradually increasing the minimum hourly wage for workers who collect tips; allowing the use of certain plant-based psychedelics; eliminating the use of statewide tests as a high school graduation requirement; and giving the state auditor the authority to audit the Massachusetts Legislature.

Each question will have a major impact on the Bay State. Here's a closer look at what's on the ballot for voters in Massachusetts:

ALLOW UBER, LYFT DRIVERS TO UNIONIZE

Drivers for ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft are considered independent contractors who don't have the right to unionize under federal law.

The proposal would allow them to unionize in the state. Drivers wouldn't be required to participate. Individual companies could team up to form associations to represent their interests in negotiations.

As part of the measure, the state would have the right to approve negotiated contracts. The proposal would also create a hearing process when a company or union is charged with an unfair work practice.

Unions pushed for the change despite a settlement announced in June by the state attorney general’s office guaranteeing Uber and Lyft drivers earn a minimum pay standard of $32.50 per hour.

Opponents said the measure will raise prices for riders without directly benefitting drivers. Critics also argued that the question would create what they call “a new radical labor category” that is inconsistent with federal labor laws, and say the drivers already enjoy benefits including the higher hourly rate and paid sick and family medical leave.

RAISE MINIMUM WAGE FOR TIPPED WORKERS

The proposal would gradually increase how much employers must pay workers who collect tips, like servers in restaurants.

The state’s wage for tipped workers is now $6.75 an hour, while the minimum hourly wage for most other workers is $15. Now, if a worker doesn’t earn enough in tips to bring them up to $15 an hour, the employer must make up the difference.

Under the proposal, employers would have to pay tipped workers $9.60 on Jan. 1 of next year. By Jan. 1, 2029, employers would have to pay them the state’s full minimum wage.

Supporters argued tips should be a reward for good service, not a subsidy for low wages. Critics said the proposal would reduce overall wages for servers, increase costs for restaurants, raise the price of eating out and could force some neighborhood eateries to close.

Secretary of State William Galvin says about 1.7 million ballots have been returned ahead of Election Day, with many more expected to be cast in person Tuesday.

LEGALIZE PSYCHEDELICS

The ballot issue would allow residents 21 and older to grow and use plant-based psychedelics in certain circumstances, making it the third state to legalize some mind-altering drugs that are considered illegal by the federal government.

The psychedelics would include two found in so-called “magic mushrooms” — psilocybin and psilocyn — and three from plants — mescaline, dimethyltryptamine and ibogaine.

The measure would allow the substances to be purchased at approved locations for use under the supervision of a licensed facilitator. Although it would prohibit retail sale, it would let individuals grow psychedelics at home and share them.

The proposal would allow for the regulation and taxation of psychedelics and create a five-member commission to oversee the industry.

Critics warned it could lead to a black market. They also argued the centers would not be prevented from giving psychedelics to people considered high risk, like those with schizophrenia, bipolar illness or who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

DROP MCAS TESTS AS REQUIREMENT FOR HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA

Massachusetts students must pass comprehensive tests to receive a high school diploma. The ballot issue wouldn’t get rid of the tests, but passing them would no longer be required for graduation.

The Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System tests are given in mathematics, science and technology and English.

Instead of passing the tests, students would be required to finish coursework certified by the local school district and achieve state academic standards in the subjects.

Teachers unions have been among the strongest critics of using the tests as a graduation requirement, saying that “teaching to the test” limits their ability to give students a fuller education.

Supporters of the tests argued that without the testing requirement, school districts will adopt lower standards so students can graduate. They said it’s unfair to grant diplomas to students who aren’t ready.

Secretary of State William Galvin spoke with reporters about voter turnout so far and expectations for Election Day 2024 in Massachusetts. Follow NBC10 Boston: https://instagram.com/nbc10boston https://tiktok.com/@nbc10boston https://facebook.com/NBC10Boston https://twitter.com/NBC10Boston

ALLOW AUDIT OF THE LEGISLATURE

The proposal would give the state auditor the authority to audit the Massachusetts Legislature — a ballot question spearheaded by state Auditor Diana DiZoglio, who served in both the state House and Senate.

DiZoglio argued the Legislature is the only state entity refusing to be audited, ranks as one of the least transparent in the country and is one of a few that exempts itself from public records laws.

Critics said the question would violate the separation of powers outlined in the Massachusetts Constitution.

They also argued that the giving DiZoglio and her successors the power to audit the Legislature would turn them into “political actors” with undue influence on the legislative process. Legislative leaders have called the proposed audit unnecessary.

Polls in Massachusetts are open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.

New Hampshire 11 hours ago

New Hampshire 11 hours ago

Decision 2024 5 hours ago

NBC10 Boston/The Associated Press

National media outlets have extensively discussed the presidential election, but for many Massachusetts voters, their first time reading the five ballot measures is when they’re filling out their ballot. From the legalization of psychedelics to allowing the unionization of rideshare drivers, The News breaks down the questions Massachusetts voters will face tomorrow in the polls.

Question 1: State auditor’s authority to audit the legislature

The Massachusetts state auditor’s current role is to ensure state agencies follow existing laws, but the auditor does not have extensive investigative power. Question 1 asks voters whether the auditor should be allowed to investigate the state legislature, specifically to review documents and accounts.

Massachusetts State Auditor Diana DiZoglio proposed the ballot measure. Supporters of Question 1 believe the ballot measure will work to increase transparency in the Massachusetts Legislature. Opponents of the measure argue that there must be separation between the legislative and executive branches.

The Boston Globe Editorial Board endorsed Question 1 Sept. 30. The endorsement said the ballot measure wouldn’t fix all issues with the state legislature, but that it would be progress.

“But it sure wouldn’t hurt to shine a little light in at least some of those dark corners the Legislature has created for itself,” the Globe Editorial Board wrote.

Question 2: Elimination of MCAS as high school graduation requirement

Currently, high school students in Massachusetts must pass the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System, or MCAS, exam to graduate. Question 2 proposes the elimination of the MCAS graduation requirement for students across the state. Supporters argue that a one-time standardized test is not a sufficient way to dictate graduation and that it pressures teachers to teach preparation for the test rather than overall education. However, opponents believe an objective requirement is necessary, which MCAS provides.

The main proponent and top donor for passing Question 2 and repealing the “high-stakes” MCAS exam is the Massachusetts Teachers Association, a union representing 117,000 educators across the state.

Governor Maura Healey, Massachusetts Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler and the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education are notable opponents of this measure.

“We still need standardized testing,” Massachusetts House of Representatives member and former high school math teacher Jim Hawkins said in support of Question 2. “When we say we want to remove MCAS as a graduation requirement, that doesn’t mean there’s no graduation requirement. It just means that MCAS is the wrong thing to use.”

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Question 3: Unionization for transportation network drivers

Currently, rideshare drivers using platforms such as Uber and Lyft cannot form unions in Massachusetts as they are considered “independent contractors.” Question 3 would authorize rideshare drivers who transport passengers to unionize, allowing them to negotiate with their employers for better working conditions, pay and benefits. Supporters of Question 3 believe the ballot measure will allow rideshare drivers to advocate for better working conditions.

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell endorsed Question 3 and is a proponent of rights for rideshare drivers. This past June, she reached a settlement with Uber and Lyft to allow drivers to accrue sick leave.

“Our settlement with Uber and Lyft secured an unprecedented package of minimum wage, benefits and protections for workers. It’s a strong foundation that can and should be built upon. I’m proud to support this ballot question, which if passed, would empower and allow workers to collectively bargain for even greater pay and benefits,” Campbell said in an email statement to The News.

There is no official campaign opposing Question 3.

Question 4: Limited legalization and regulation of certain natural psychedelic substances

There is no legal framework regulating the use and possession of certain psychedelic substances in Massachusetts found in plants and mushrooms including psilocybin, psilocin, dimethyltryptamine, mescaline and ibogaine.

Question 4 would allow the creation of therapeutic centers for people to utilize psychedelics for medicinal purposes under professional supervision. The measure would also allow individuals over 21 years old to grow and possess personal amounts of psychedelic substances. Proceeds from the retail sale of psychedelic substances would be subject to a 15% state tax, the measure would also authorize localities to levy an additional 2% tax.

“People should vote yes on Question 4 because the conditions that the substances seem effective in treating are life-threatening or debilitating,” said Graham Moore, educational outreach director of YesOn4. He said these conditions include post-traumatic stress disorder, opioid addiction and end-of-life anxiety and distress.

Proponents of this measure believe this law would allow for safer, regulated access to psychedelics while opponents argue the decriminalization of these substances could lead to substantial medical harm such as acute cardiac problems and long-term neurological effects.

Question 5: Minimum wage for tipped workers

This measure would gradually increase the minimum hourly wage employers must pay their workers over five years. Under this law, if an employer pays its workers the state minimum wage, all tips earned by workers at an establishment may be pooled by the employer and distributed evenly among all employees, including those who are not tipped.

Proponents of Question 5 believe that the proposed law would provide greater financial stability and ensure larger corporations pay their employees minimum wage in addition to tips rather than allow tips to serve as a subsidy for a minimum wage. Notably, the Committee to Protect Tips and the Massachusetts Restaurant Association oppose this measure. These groups believe this measure could backfire through substantially increased business costs which could result in layoffs and lower tips.

“I like the money that I make. I have mouths to feed, I don’t want to take a pay cut,” said Mark Szkolnik, who has worked at The Westland on Westland Avenue for two years.

If the ballot measure passes, Szkolnik believes food prices will double, and back-of-house staff who do not interact with customers will benefit from the tips front-of-house staff earn. He said everyone at The Westland agrees about opposing the measure, including customers who come in and inquire about the sign on the door.

“We’re all against this. It’s someone from another state, all [the way] across the country, trying to ruin our happiness. It’s not going to happen,” Szkolnik said.

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