Question 1: Eliminating gas tax indexing
Yes: Would eliminate the requirement that the state’s gas tax be adjusted annually according to the consumer price index.

No: Would make no change to the laws regarding the gas tax.

Supporters say: Voting yes will eliminate automatic annual increases by inflation, which Steven Aylward of the Committee to Tank Automatic Gas Tax Hikes says is taxation without representation.

Opponents say: Getting rid of the increase will take away necessary money for roads and bridges according to the Committee for Safer Roads and Bridges.

Question 2: Expanding the beverage container deposit law
Yes: Would expand the state’s five-cent bottle deposit law to include most plastic bottles not already redeemable by deposit, including water and juice bottles.

No: Would make no change to the current bottle deposit law.

Supporters say: Expanding the deposit law would increase recycling and cut down on litter and bottles in landfills and unredeemed deposits would go toward the state’s general fund, according to the Coalition for an Updated Bottle Bill.

Opponents say: The state already has ample curbside recycling resources and collecting deposits are outdated, costly, and inefficient, according to Robert L. Moylan of Comprehensive Recycling Works.

Question 3: Expanding prohibitions on gaming
Yes: Would prohibit casinos, any gaming establishment with slot machines, and wagering on simulcast greyhound races.

No: No change in the current gaming laws.

Supporters say: Casinos provide more harm than good economically, the casino market is saturated, and can increase crime, according to Repeal the Casino Deal Committee.

Opponents say: The existing law creates thousands of construction jobs and millions in revenue and has put casinos only in communities that want them, according to Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno.

Question 4: Earned sick time for employees
Yes: Would entitle employees to earn and use sick time according to certain conditions.

No: No change to the laws regarding sick time.

Supporters say: Would create a safety net for thousands of hardworking employees to care for themselves or close loved ones when sick, and better for businesses by reducing employee turnover, increase productivity, and improve bottom line, according to Debra Ann Fastino, Co-chair of Raise Up Massachusetts.

Opponents say: Creates a costly mandate for small businesses to provide up to a week of sick time for all employees, especially customer service-oriented businesses or those with mandatory staffing levels, according to the Retailers Association of Massachusetts.

Information courtesy of William Galvin, Secretary of State for the Commonwealth.