Massachusetts voters weigh ballot issues on union rights, wages and psychedelics

BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts voters decided five ballot questions Tuesday, including whether to union rights of taxi company drivers like Uber and Lyft.

Other questions would allow the use of certain plant-derived psychedelics.eliminate the use of statewide tests as a requirement for high school graduation and gradually increase the minimum hourly wage for workers who collect tips.

Approved: Allow audit of the State Legislature.

Voters gave the state auditor the power to audit the Legislature.

The ballot measure was spearheaded by State Auditor Diana DiZoglio, who previously served in both the state House and Senate. She said the measure’s passage is a victory for those who want more open state government.

“The people of Massachusetts want the fairness, transparency and accountability that a legislative audit will bring,” she said.

Critics said the issue would violate the separation of powers under the Massachusetts Constitution.

Democratic Senate President Karen Spilka and House Speaker Ronald Mariano released a statement saying they would consider “how best to respect the results of the Question 1 election in a manner consistent with the fundamental principles of the Massachusetts Constitution, including the separation of powers.”

Allow Uber and Lyft drivers to unionize

Drivers for companies like Uber and Lyft are considered independent contractors and are not allowed to unionize under federal law.

The proposal would allow them to unionize in the state. Drivers will not be required to participate. Individual companies may form associations to represent their interests in negotiations.

Under this measure, the state will have the right to approve negotiated contracts. The proposal would also create a hearing process when a company or union is accused of unfair labor practices.

Unions pushed for change despite settlement announced in June The state Attorney General’s Office guarantees Uber and Lyft drivers a standard minimum wage of $32.50 an hour.

Opponents said the measure would raise prices for passengers without directly benefiting drivers. Critics also argue the issue will create what they call a “radical new labor category” that is inconsistent with federal labor laws, and say drivers already enjoy benefits including higher hourly rates and paid sick and family leave. medical leave.

Raise the minimum wage for tipped workers.

The proposal would gradually increase the amount employers must pay workers who collect tips, such as restaurant servers.

The state wage for tipped workers is now $6.75 an hour, while minimum hourly wage for most other workers it is $15. Now, if a worker doesn’t earn enough in tips to bring it up to $15 an hour, the employer must make up the difference.

Under the proposal, employers would have to pay tipped workers $9.60 on Jan. 1. By January 1, 2029, employers will be required to pay them the full state minimum wage.

Proponents argued that tips should be a reward for good service, not a subsidy for low wages. Critics said the proposal would lower overall waitstaff wages, increase costs for restaurants, raise the price of eating out and could lead to the closure of some local eateries.

Legalize psychedelics

Ballot distribution will allow residents 21 and older grow and use plant psychedelics in certain circumstances, which makes it third state legalize certain mind-altering drugs that the federal government considers illegal.

The psychedelics will include two substances found in so-called “magic mushrooms” – psilocybin and psilocin – and three plant substances – mescaline, dimethyltryptamine and ibogaine.

This measure will allow substances to be purchased from approved locations for use under the supervision of a licensed intermediary. While it would ban retail sales, it would allow people to grow and share psychedelics at home.

The proposal would regulate and tax psychedelics and create a five-member commission to oversee the industry.

Critics warned it could create a black market. They also argued that centers would not be prohibited from giving psychedelics to people considered high-risk, such as those with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Drop tests as a requirement for obtaining a high school diploma

Massachusetts students must take comprehensive tests to receive a high school diploma. The issuance of ballots will not eliminate the need for exams, but passing them will no longer be required for graduation.

The Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System tests are administered in mathematics, science and technology, and English.

Instead of taking tests, students will be required to complete coursework certified by their local school district and meet state academic standards in the subjects.

Teachers unions have been among the harshest critics of the use of tests as a graduation requirement, saying “teaching by tests” limits their ability to provide students with a more complete education.

Proponents of the tests argued that without mandatory testing, school districts would accept lower standards to ensure students could graduate. They said it was unfair to award diplomas to unprepared students.