Mass. Fiscal Alliance to fund ballot box fights

One of the groups throwing its support behind a legal challenge to the so-called “millionaire tax” ballot question is gearing up for more legal fights as it expects hot button policy issues will be increasingly decided at the ballot box and in the courts.

The Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance, which already lobbies the state government for fiscal prudence and transparency, recently formed a nonprofit foundation that will contribute to legal battles and lawsuits aimed at advocating those principles, said Paul Craney, the group’s spokesperson. The first case the foundation will support is a recently filed lawsuit aimed at blocking an amendment to the state constitution that would increase the income tax for high income earners from appearing on the ballot next year.

“We’ve contributed about $20,000 for legal expenses associated with the lawsuit,” Craney said.

Craney said the slow-moving Legislature has prompted advocates on both sides of issues to take their fights to the voters. In Massachusetts, ballot initiatives can be challenged in court before they’re voted on.

“Special interest groups are trying to fight with the ballot box to get their way,” Craney said.

The millionaire tax challenge was filed with the Supreme Judicial Court earlier this week by the heads of the Massachusetts High Technology Council, Massachusetts Competitive Partnership and others. Craney said while the Fiscal Alliance is not a named plaintiff, it is providing financial support.

“When you start putting budgeting into the state constitution, you’re going to have all sorts of problems,” Craney said. “This would push people out so quickly.”