Editor’s Note: This is an excerpt from WBUR’s politics newsletter, Mass. Politics. If you like what you read and want it in your inbox, sign up here.
This November, Massachusetts voters will weigh in directly on five potential laws. And as our recent polling shows, these measures are some of the most competitive races on this year’s ballot.
Last week, we also got new information about the people and groups financially backing the campaigns for and against each question. Here’s a breakdown:
Question 1: Auditing the Legislature
- For: The effort is spearheaded by Auditor Diana DiZoglio, who’s put over $100,000 of her own money into the cause. The campaign has drawn support from progressive organizations like Act on Mass, as well as conservative groups like the Mass. Fiscal Alliance.
- Against: There’s no formal opposition group, though State House leaders have vocally criticized the measure. Many insiders believe lawmakers are waiting to mount a legal challenge to the question if it passes.
Question 2: MCAS requirement
- For: The “yes” campaign has gotten almost $3.5 million in in-kind contributions, all from the Massachusetts Teachers Association. The state’s largest teachers’ union is putting that money toward TV ads and voter outreach.
- Against: The opposition group has received over $1 million from business groups like the Massachusetts High Technology Council and Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. They also have the backing of Education Reform Now, a national group that supports charter schools.
Question 3: A union for Uber and Lyft drivers
- For: The “yes” campaign has received millions in contributions and in-kind services from labor unions, primarily the Service Employee International Union.
- Against: There’s no formal opposition campaign after Attorney General Andrea Campbell reached a $175 million settlement with Uber and Lyft, securing higher minimum wages for their drivers.
Question 4: Psychedelics legalization
- For: The “yes” campaign is backed by the Washington, D.C.-based New Approach PAC, which also led legalization efforts in Oregon and Colorado. They’ve also taken in millions in individual contributions, from small-dollar donation to big checks from philanthropists like TOMS Shoes founder Blake Mycoskie.
- Against: While there is a formal opposition group, it has not raised or spent any money. The campaign is chaired by Dr. Anahita Dua, an MGH surgeon who’s opposed psychedelics legalization.
Question 5: Tipped workers’ minimum wage
- For: One Fair Wage, which is behind the ballot measure, is a national group involved in minimum wage fights across the country, from California to Ohio. It’s also taken in numerous small-dollar donations from bartenders, teachers, attorneys and the founder of Boloco.
- Against: The “no” campaign is led by the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, and has also received money from local restaurants (like Firefly’s BBQ in Marlborough and Row 34 in Boston) and national chains like Applebee’s, Texas Roadhouse and the owner of Davio’s.
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This article was originally published on WBUR.org.
