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71-72 Selectmen's Meeting—November 6, 2017 Meeting with Lexington's Statehouse Delegation Mr. Canale called the Planning Board to order at 7:24 p.m. Mr. Alessandrini reconvened the School Committee from a recess at 7:24 p.m., following the earlier joint Executive Session with the Board of Selectmen. Ms. Barry welcomed Representative Kaufman and Senators Barret and Friedman, saying the assembled boards had created a list of topics to be discussed with the legislators. After initial opening words from Mr. Kaufman, Mr. Barret, and Ms. Friedman, each board posed questions in turn. • Opening words: Mr. Kaufman: In 2018, Massachusetts citizens will vote on a proposed amendment to the State Constitution called "The Fair Share Amendment." If passed, the amendment would provide an additional $213 revenue to the State through an increased tax on annual incomes over $1M. A total of 18,000 individuals/households would be affected. Mr. Kaufman supports the amendment, saying the funds would be earmarked for education and transportation initiatives. Ms. Friedman: The Senate has been immersed in Criminal Justice issues but recently turned its attention to Health Care. Challenges to the Affordable Care Act are driving the focus. Potential 2018 ballot initiatives include Paid Family Leave; $15/hr. minimum wage; and sales tax reduction, which, if passed, would have a profound effect on how Fair Share funds are apportioned. Mr. Barrett: A"catch-all" heath care bill is coming up for a vote in the State Senate to address secondary cost drivers, such as ambulance charges. Massachusetts retailers intend to introduce a sales tax reduction ballot initiative that, if successful, would offset much of the beneficial effects of the Fair Share initiative because sales tax is now partially earmarked for mass transit. A Senate subcommittee is attempting to address retailers' concerns in hopes that the desire for a ballot question is quelled. • Board Questions: Selectmen: Is there hope that the State's Community Preservation (CP) match will stabilize and/or increase? Mr. Kaufman: So far, attempts to stabilize the CP match have failed and communities such as Lexington are experiencing the downside of the CPA's success, with lower match percentages, as additional cities and towns jump into the pool. Mr. Kaufman, Mr. Barrett, and Ms. Friedman are co-sponsors of a bill that would increase the motor vehicle surcharge at the Registry to provide a larger revenue stream. Ms. Friedman: A bill before the House Ways and Means Committee would increase the fees on deeds if the CPA match is less than 50% of community contributions.