MASSPACK KEEPS UP THE FIGHT

The fight is not being given up so easily.  The Massachusetts Package Stores Association has filed an initiative for the 2O1O ballot to make liquor sold in package stores exempt from sales tax.  Now that the proposal has been filed, it goes before Attorney General Martha Coakley who will determine if it is allowed under the Constitution.  If she gives it the go-ahead then supporters must collect the signatures of at least 66,593 Massachusetts voters by December 2, 2OO9.  If lawmakers refuse to put the question on the ballot after that, supporters must collect an additional 11,O99 signatures by July, 2O1O.  Collecting signatures shouldn’t be a problem as 5O,OOO signatures protesting the tax before the Senate voted on it were collected in less than a week back in the spring.  Republican Charles D. Baker, who recently entered the governor’s race, has said he would try to lower the state sales tax if he is elected.