Page 4 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, June 18, 2021 Led by Sen. Lewis, Fair Share Amendment advances to the ballot I n June members of the Massachusetts House and Senate held a Constitutional Convention where they overwhelmingly supported the Fair Share Amendment with a vote of 15941, sending it to the November 2022 statewide ballot for voters to have the final say. The Fair Share Amendment would assess an additional income tax of four percentage points on annual taxable household income above $1 million. The revenue generated – estimated by the Department of Revenue to Gerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 J& $45 yd. S LANDSCAPE & MASONRY CO. MULCH SALE! Discount Spring Special PICK-UP or DELIVERY AVAILABLE 617-389-1490 Premium Hemlock or Pitch Black BELOW WHOLESALE COSTS LANDSCAPERS WELCOME $4 yd. $40 yd. $3 yd. be as much as $2.2 billion annually – would fund repair and maintenance projects for roads, bridges and public transportation; preK-12 public schools; and public colleges and universities in Massachusetts. “The Fair Share Amendment once again received strong support from legislators and, in public polling, typically receives support from more than 70 percent of voters in Massachusetts,” said State Senator Jason Lewis, who is the lead Senate sponsor of the proposal. “The reason it Mai Du selected to Mass. Commission on the Status of Women’s 18th Annual Commonwealth Heroine Class of 2021 B OSTON – Representative Steven Ultrino (D-Malden) and State Senator Jason Lewis spoke during the constitutional convention on Beacon Hill. (Photo Courtesy of the Office of State Senator Jason Lewis) is so popular is that most people recognize that our wealthiest residents can afford to pay a bit more in taxes to fund investments in public education and transportation infrastructure that will grow our economy, expand opportunity, and make our Commonwealth more just and equitable for all.” Should voters approve the ballot measure, the $1 million income level would be increased annually to reflect increases in the cost of living. This would ensure that, over time, the additional four percent tax would continue to apply only to the highest earning taxpayers in the Commonwealth. The tax would take effect on January 1, 2023. The legislature must approve a constitutional amendment in two consecutive joint sessions before the question appears on the ballot for voter approval. The Fair Share Amendment was initially approved on June 12, 2019, in a 147-48 vote. The June 9, 2021, vote of 159-41 ensures the proposal will now appear on the November 2022 statewide ballot. his office celebrates Mai Du as she is named one of Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women’s (MCSW) Commonwealth Heroine for 2021. The team is proud to have nominated Ms. Du for this honor as she continues to dedicate her time and efforts to help improve the community of Malden. The Commonwealth Heroines are women who strive to make a difference and improve the lives of others within their community. They are leaders, mentors, volunteers, and innovators who dedicate their time and efforts to protect and represent the interests of those in needAs a Co-founder and Board Member of the Greater Malden Asian American Community Coalition (GMAACC), Ms. Du has worked tirelessly to improve language access, drive civic engagement, and make local government more accessible to Malden’s Asian American community for many years. Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, she has worked with GMAACC and local mutual aid group Malden Neighbors Helping Neighbors to deliver food and provide services to thousands of people in need. Furthermore, Ms. Du has also been a leading figure in the fight against recent wave of anti-Asian hate that has been spurred on by misinformation and misguided rhetoric surrounding the virus. In addition to this tremendous work, Ms. Du serves on the Board of Directors for the Asian Community Development Corporation and runs the Wah Lum Kung Fu & Tai Chi Academies in Malden Mai Du and Quincy. “Mai’s work over the years reflect the qualities of a true Commonwealth Heroine,” says Representative Ultrino, “She has brought the community closer together and served as a powerful voice for those in need throughout Greater Boston – particularly within Malden’s Asian American community. I would like to congratulate Ms. Du on this wonderful accomplishment and we are very fortunate to have Maldonians like her who are committed to making Malden a better and more inclusive community for everyone.” In celebration of the new Commonwealth Heroines Class of 2021, the MCSW will also be hosting a Zoom presentation featuring opening remarks and a slideshow presentation of the Class of 2021. The event will be live streamed on the MCSW Facebook page at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday June 23, 2021. Commonwealth Heroines will also be receiving a Heroine Package via mail that contains a letter notification of the award, their own printed copy of the program book and certificate to recognize their work within the community. ~ Letter to the Editor ~ Fair Share Amendment will make Commonwealth stronger, more equitable Dear Editor: The Fair Share Amendment – which would assess an additional tax of four percentage points on annual taxable income above $1 million and invest the proceeds in transportation and public education – has been discussed and debated for many years. It has been voted on three times in previous Constitutional Conventions convened by the Legislature, and has received strong support every time. In public polling, this proposal typically receives support from more than 70 percent of voters in Massachusetts. The reason why the Fair Share Amendment is so popular is that most people recognize that our wealthiest residents can afford to pay a bit more in taxes to help fund investments that expand opportunity and make our Commonwealth more just and equitable for all. From World War II through the AMENDMENT | SEE PAGE 20
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