Mass. Voters Reject Sales Tax Cut

Massachusetts voters have rejected a ballot question that would have cut the state sales tax rate by more than half.

Supporters of Question 3, which would have lowered the tax from 6.25 to 3 percent, said the only way to pressure the state to live within its means is to cut taxes - a move they said would also boost the economy and create jobs.

Critics, including all four candidates for governor, said the tax cut would have forced the state to slash $2.5 billion in services, including local aid to cities and towns, at a time when Massachusetts is still climbing out of a recession.

Opponents, including state and national teachers unions, poured more than $4 million into an advertising campaign against the question, overwhelming supporters.