Changes in Massachusetts

On that fateful day in November, the United States voted for a new leader for the next four years. Amid the frenzy as a result of this monumental election, the other ballot questions seemed inconsequential in comparison. Now that the shock has worn off slightly, we can take a look at the other four ballot questions, and consider what they mean for the future of Massachusetts in particular.

Question 1 concerned the state Gaming Commission, and would allow them to license one additional slot-machine gaming establishment at a location that meets certain conditions specified in the law. The main pro of this question is that it would create more jobs, but Massachusetts voted no on this question, resulting in no change to the current gaming laws.

Question 2 would have given more attention to charter schools, and a yes vote would have allowed for up to 12 approvals each year of either new charter schools or expanded enrollments in existing charter schools, but not to exceed 1% of the statewide public school enrollment. This proposal would have helped close the achievement gap for children who live in struggling areas with sub-par public schools and would have given families multiple different educational options. The clear issue with this question is that it does not provide additional funds to support these new schools, and will inevitably take away a large portion of the funds provided for the public schools. Because of this, question 2 was turned down as well, and no changes will be made to the existing laws on charter schools.

Question 3 addressed the handling of farm animals and prohibits any confinement of pigs, calves, and hens that prevents them from lying down, standing up, fully extending their limbs, or turning around freely. A violation of this law would result in a fine of $1,000. This question was voted yes on, and the new law will take effect on January 1, 2022.

The last question, question 4, was concerning the legalization of marijuana. A yes vote would permit people 21 and older to possess, use, and transfer marijuana and products containing marijuana. It would also allow them to cultivate marijuana in limited amounts and would provide for the regulation and taxation of the commercial sale of marijuana and marijuana products. This question was particularly controversial, with multiple factors to be considered.

According to The Citizens' Initiative Review, constructed by twenty Massachusetts voters, the main pros include the fact that regulated marijuana is safer than black market marijuana because it will be tested according to state regulations. Also, legalization will create many regulatory, law enforcement, legal, and licensure jobs that are supported by taxes on the sale of marijuana. Health providers and patients will also be able to access marijuana for medicinal purposes readily and legally. Conversely, problems with passing question 4 include there being no method to test drivers that may be under the influence of marijuana and the potential for increased risk of motor vehicle accidents. Despite these cons, Massachusetts voted yes on this law, and as of December 15, 2016, marijuana will be legal.