Debate set on Question 4

Chronicle staff

uestion 4, a ballot initiative to roll back the state income tax rate, will be debated by Jim St. George from the Campaign for Mass. Future and Bobby Matthews of the Tax Rollback Committee on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 4:30-5:30 p.m. in 227 Herter Hall.

     The event will be moderated by WFCR-FM news director Bob Paquette and questions will be taken from the audience.

     According to the Secretary of State's Office, passage of Question 4 would repeal the law setting the state personal income tax rate on Part B taxable income (such as wages and salaries), from the current rate of 5.95 percent and set the rate at 5.6 percent for tax year 2001, 5.3 percent for tax year 2002, and 5 percent for tax year 2003 and after. If the Legislature set a lower rate for any of those years, that lower rate would apply.

     The proposed law also states that if any of its parts are declared invalid, the other parts will remain in effect.

     Debate sponsors include Local 509 Service Employees International Union, Commuter Area Government, University Staff Association, Labor Relations and Research Center and the Graduate Employee Organization.