Take Action Now!

First Email from Frank

Late Tuesday the MA Senate approved an increase in the state sales tax to 6.25% by a vote of 29-10. Soon after that, Sen. Marian Walsh re-introduced her amendment to include alcohol in the sales tax, and it was also approved after a quick debate and an un-recorded voice vote.

Much of this came as a surprise to us and other interested organizations, and I assure you that MassPack has taken the lead in calling the lobbyists from the interested industry organizations back to the table for a strategy session. The tax issue will now go to a joint conference committee because the House and Senate budget proposals differ so dramatically. The lobbyists will meet today at 4:00 PM to discuss any action that should be taken with the joint conference committee. Once unified, strategic action is achieved, we will notify you as to what steps we would like you to take.

Please watch your emails and reserve any action until a plan is in place.

Regards,

Frank

Frank Anzalotti

Executive Director

Massachusetts Package Stores Association

tel: 413-736-6164

fax: 413-736-5880

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"Drink Responsibly. Drive Responsibly"

Second Email From Frank

Hello all:

URGENT ACTION REQUIRED

SUBJECT: SALES TAX ON ALCOHOL

As I write this email, a Joint Conference Committee is beginning deliberations on the final version of the budget to the FY10 budget to be sent to the Governor. Since the House voted NOT to include a sales tax on alcohol but the Senate DID vote such an inclusion, it is time to turn our attention back to the House. WE MUST STAY ONE STEP AHEAD OF THE PROCESS AND BE PREPARED TO ASSERT OUR VIEWPOINTS AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME. WE NEED TO CONVINCE ALL OF OUR LEGISLATORS, ESPECIALLY OUR REPS, TO REMOVE ALCOHOL FROM THE SALES TAX!

We have received word that the petitions are working and having an impact on the Legislature. We have already turned in about 25,000 signatures. These signatures are being turned over to the representatives as we speak. Your follow-up contact to your representative is CRITICAL AT THIS POINT. Please take the following steps IMMEDIATELY!

Print all of the materials in the attachments above.
Make several copies of each item. Please make several hundred copies of the "Final Flyer" and use it as a bag stuffer.
Post the flyers prominently in your store
Return any signed petitions to the MassPack offices via FAX to NO LATER THAN NEXT THURSDAY, May 28th. FAX NUMBER 1-413-736-5880.
Get customers to use the provided information (MassPack website, email address to locate individual legislators) and to contact their REPRESENTATIVES NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, MAY 29th.
You should personally contact your own legislators and drive home the message. Take the same steps as I have described them to locate the name and contact information for your own legislators.
Always refer to the MassPack website: http://www.masspack.org for the latest updates and for more copies of the materials.

Now is the perfect time to act. Your future is on the line. The only way to beat back the alcohol sales tax is for ALL OF US to participate in this process in a unified manner.