This November, state ballot Question 1 seeks to increase taxes on individuals and families with adjusted gross income over $128,400 from all sources to fund home-care services for the elderly and disabled regardless of income. While providing home care is a worthy goal, this initiative is bad public policy.

First of all, it targets a specific group of taxpayers to fund one program. Secondly, those requesting services would not be means tested, and the allowed services extend well beyond those traditionally covered. While projections suggest that the tax will raise over $300 million, this fulfills only a token of the need and likely will result in lengthy service wait lists. Finally, there are many unanswered questions, such as the constitutionality of the law, the risk that patient medical data will be compromised, and the clause that caregivers be considered state employees.

Vote no on Question 1.

Jim Elkins
Scarborough