Proof-Variation7005 t1_j2mz3y4 wrote on January 2, 2023 at 3:12 PM

Reply to comment by goldengodz in Massachusetts laws that go into effect in 2023 by ak47workaccnt

That’s basically a side effect of the minimum wage increase. This was a quid pro quo from the retail industry in exchange for not fighting that harder

tapakip t1_j2oum3g wrote on January 2, 2023 at 10:37 PM

And also a sneak attack by the legislature to usurp a ballot initiative that proposed to raise the minimum wage to $15 without any changes to Sundays/Holidays.

thankubest t1_j2pw6su wrote on January 3, 2023 at 2:51 AM

The MA legislature seems to meddle in every single ballot initiative when they don’t get what they want. It would be nice if we had a law that protected ballot initiatives from having any related laws implemented for 5 years or something

tghost474 t1_j2qnub0 wrote on January 3, 2023 at 6:50 AM

I would also be great if we had state based electoral colleges. it’s fun to dream…

Proof-Variation7005 t1_j2rsxo8 wrote on January 3, 2023 at 2:39 PM

I get the idea but the point of our system isn't to govern by ballot initiative. The practical outcome of that kind of restriction is that pretty much any new law is going to be held up by faux initiatives. Legislature considering a police reform bill? Every FOP in the state would gather signatures for a ballot question to neuter the issue. You'd basically neuter the government in favor of a less efficient method that isn't even guaranteed to get the best results.

Proof-Variation7005 t1_j2rt9de wrote on January 3, 2023 at 2:42 PM

It was really 2 ballot measures and both the groups involved had enough signatures and backed down willingly because the bill was there. Government by referendum is a terrible way to go. It's inefficient, prone to erratic results and that state has more misses than hits on ballot questions. I'm not sure a straight "raise the minimum wage this much by this date" question passes with all the money that'd be thrown against it.