Massachusetts voters approved ballot questions giving the state auditor the power to investigate the state legislature and tow truck drivers’ right to unionize, but rejected an effort to decriminalize the use of psychedelics for residents over 21.
The outcome of Tuesday’s election on the issue of ride-sharing drivers offers unions the opportunity to strengthen their ranks in a pristine industry that has long drawn scrutiny in Massachusetts for its treatment of drivers and the work environment.
In a statement more than 16 hours after the polls closed, the union behind the issue, 32BJ SEIU, said it expected “swift implementation” after residents voted to approve “a meaningful check against the growing power of app-based companies.”
The legislative review issue is supported
The Massachusetts State Auditor’s Office was given the express authority to open the books for the Legislature after voters approved the ballot question championed by Diana DiZoglio, a former state legislator who currently holds the role.
But the approval from residents could create a complicated path forward for DiZoglio in her efforts to scrutinize the House and Senate, which have refused to cooperate with any investigations and whose top leaders have left the door open to tinkering with politics after Election Day.
In a statement shortly before midnight Tuesday, DiZoglio said the victory was an “opportunity for all of us to look forward and work to make our Legislature better.”
House Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka said they would consider next steps, including how to honor the election results “in a manner consistent with the fundamental principles of the Massachusetts Constitution, including the separation of powers.”
Shrooms have a bad trip at the polls
Massachusetts residents voted against decriminalizing the use of psychedelics at licensed facilities and the ability to grow mushrooms containing the substances at home, a result that dealt a blow to a coalition that had pulled in millions of dollars from out-of-state donors.
A spokesperson for the Coalition for Safe Communities, the group that opposed the issue, said voters recognized “the negative impact (the issue) would have on our neighborhoods, roads, hospitals, children, pets and public safety across the state.”
