BOSTON. If state citizens vote to repeal a brand new sales tax on alcohol in next year’s ballot, a potential $100 million-plus in funding for substance abuse programs could be wiped away.
The possible loss of funds sets up another ballot initiative face-off akin to the three that highlighted the 2008 elections.
“We will do what we can to educate the public about the value [of these funds] and those that are near and dear to anyone’s heart with addictions knows how critical it is,” said Maryanne Frangules, director of Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery (MOAR).
Funds from the 6.25 percent tax, which went into play Saturday, are targeted towards substance abuse treatment programs. Supporters of the tax cite the far-reaching costs of addiction.