BOSTON, MA (WBZ-AM) -- The State Supreme court heard arguments Tuesday concerning the so-called "Millionaire Tax" that could go before the voters in November.
If passed it would slap a 4-percent surtax on incomes over a $1 million dollars, with the money earmarked for transportation and education but it's being challenged by a number of groups.
During arguments today, Justice Lowy expressed concern that the question is giving power to voters that should arguably go to lawmakers:
“You’re picking two very important areas of spending as a matter of public policy, isn’t’ that what the legislature does?” he asked.
Representing opponents of the so-called millionaire tax, attorney Kevin Martin argued that the ballot question is unconstitutional in part because it earmarks the money from the tax to two different public policy issues:
But if he loses the argument, and the court rules the ballot question is constitutional then voters in the fall will decide whether to place a four percent surtax on incomes over a million dollars with money earmarked for transportation and education.
WBZ NewsRadio1030's Carl Stevens reports.