The general election is just a few weeks away and there will be two important questions you will be asked to vote on. After careful review, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce recommends a “NO” vote on Massachusetts Ballot Questions 2 and 5. We believe these measures, if passed, could have significant negative implications for local students, our members, communities and our regional economy.

Question 2: MCAS Graduation Requirement

The Chamber opposes Question 2, which would repeal the requirement that students must achieve a certain competency level on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) exam to receive a high school diploma.

Background and why it’s important:

• MCAS has been a cornerstone of the Massachusetts education system since passage of the 1993 Massachusetts Education Reform Act, helping to elevate our state from middle of the pack to having the best public education system in the country.
• Bipartisan effort and strong support from the business community led to the passing of the law, resulting in significant new funding for education accompanied by high, statewide standards for learning, and a system for measuring progress and results.
• Since the law was implemented, graduation rates have steadily increased, drop-out rates have declined, and since 2011, Massachusetts has ranked first in student achievement in the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).
• Under current state law, students must achieve a score of “Meeting Expectations” or higher on the English language arts and mathematics tests to graduate.
• Passage of Question 2 would eliminate the MCAS as a graduation requirement with students completing coursework certified by the local school district, resulting in more than 300 different graduation standards.
• If Question 2 passes, Massachusetts would be one of only three states with no statewide graduation requirement; and one of two states without a minimum statewide standard for competency in math, English, and science.
• Only 1% (approximately 700)* of Massachusetts high school students do not graduate because of not passing MCAS, primarily because of language barriers and other learning challenges.

Why we recommend voting “NO”:

• The MCAS requirement ensures a baseline of knowledge and skills for high school graduates entering higher education or the job market.
• Repealing this requirement would lower educational standards, impacting the quality of our local talent pool and making our graduates less competitive in the global economy.
• The MCAS provides valuable data for identifying and addressing educational disparities, which is crucial for ensuring equal opportunities for all students.
• We should take steps to meet the needs of the 1% of students who do not pass, instead of eliminating a comprehensive system that is working for almost every student.
• Relying only on different local academic requirements will exacerbate educational inequities.
• A major competitive advantage for Massachusetts is the quality of our public education system, and must maintain this advantage for our youth to compete in the college admissions process and future employment.

Question 5: Tipped Employee Wages

The Chamber also opposes Question 5, which would gradually increase the wage of tipped employees until it meets the state minimum wage by January 1, 2029.

Background and why it’s important:

• Under current state law, tipped workers in Massachusetts, such as wait staff and bartenders, earn a base wage of $6.75 per hour, with tips making up the difference to meet or exceed the state minimum wage which is currently $15 per hour.
• Question 5 would incrementally raise the tipped minimum wage over five years until it matches whatever the standard minimum wage is in 2029.
• Tips would be extra. But for the first time, restaurants would also be allowed to pool and share those tips with cooks, bookkeepers, and other back-of-the-house workers who aren’t allowed, by current law, to share in those tips.
• If Question 5 passes, Massachusetts would be one of just seven states without a tipped wage credit.

Why we recommend voting “NO”:

• Independent local restaurants are more than just eateries; they are cornerstones of our community’s economic and social fabric. As economic catalysts, they drive foot traffic, benefiting neighboring businesses and shaping our downtowns and business districts. Their presence can influence where people and companies choose to settle, defining the region’s character. Restaurants serve as workforce developers, providing crucial first jobs and sustainable careers, while supporting a network of local suppliers, farms and other businesses. Moreover, the meal and property taxes generated contribute substantially to funding essential municipal services and schools. In essence, our local restaurants are integral to the economic vitality and social wellbeing of our communities.
• This change could significantly impact our restaurant and hospitality businesses, which are vital to our local economy and would come at a time when their industry, which has always operated on thin margins, is still rebounding from the pandemic, coping with inflation and high credit card fees, wrestling with soaring energy and insurance costs, and adapting to changes in dining habits in a work-from-home economy.
• The increased labor costs may force restaurants to raise prices, reduce staff, or limit hours of operation, potentially leading to job losses and reduced economic activity.
• It could potentially lead to reduced overall compensation for tipped workers if customers tip less in response to higher prices or the perception that tipping is no longer necessary.
• The current system allows for flexibility and can result in higher earnings for skilled service workers during peak hours.
• The concerns raised by our independent restaurant owners about possible business closures and layoffs if Question 5 passes extend beyond their industry, it could potentially affect suppliers, local tax revenues, and the broader economic stability of our communities.

The Chamber also believes complex issues, such as education standards and wage structures, are best addressed through the legislative process rather than ballot referendums. The legislative process is a more deliberative process that allows for a more thorough debate and discussion of the nuances of these issues. It also provides the ability to make amendments and adjustments based on expert testimony and stakeholder input and provides greater flexibility to respond to changing economic conditions or unintended consequences.

Ballot referendums, while an important part of our democratic process, can sometimes oversimplify complex issues and lack the flexibility needed to address unintended consequences.

How the Chamber reached its conclusion

As the general election ballot questions were announced, Chamber members shared their concerns with us about the issues, specifically those related to Question 2 and Question 5. After listening to our members concerns, we compared our current policy positions with the ballot questions. We also engaged in thoughtful discussions with those who work in our restaurants and public schools, and reviewed research on these topics with our Government Affairs Committee, which represents a diverse cross-section of our membership. The committee’s recommendations were then presented to our board of directors for approval.

While all opinions expressed throughout the review were taken into consideration, this process also ensured we understood the diverse views and voices within our business community. As our policy is to lead through consensus rather than unanimity, we are able to represent the broader interests of our membership and communities.

Ultimately, the board concluded both Question 2 and Question 5 would have numerous negative consequences for our region, thus resulting in urging members to vote “NO” on Question 2 and Question 5.

We encourage all Chamber members to carefully consider these issues and their potential impact on our students and the business community. The Chamber believes maintaining educational standards and preserving the current tipped wage system are important for the continued growth and prosperity of our region.

We welcome your thoughts and feedback on these positions. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns by contacting Travis Condon, Public Affairs Manager, at 978.353.7600 ext. 224 or via email at .

*Source: Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education

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