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ABOLISH INCOME TAX AND DECRIMINALIZE MARIJUANA - Supporters of two possible November 2008 ballot questions are hitting the streets again to gather signatures.

The Legislature did not act by last week's deadline on initiative petitions abolishing the state's 5.3 percent income tax and replacing the criminal penalties for possession of one ounce or less of marijuana with a new system of civil penalties.

The groups in December had cleared the first hurdle by collecting the 66,593 required signatures to bring the proposals to the Legislature. The House and Senate's inaction on the measures means that supporters need another 11,099 signatures by June 18 in order to get their questions on the 2008 ballot for voter consideration.

Supporters of decriminalizing marijuana say that under current law, offenders can face excessive and unnecessary penalties including up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $500. They argue that states which have approved similar decriminalization law have not seen an increase in marijuana use and noted that the bill would save millions of dollars in law enforcement and court costs. Opponents say that decriminalization sends the wrong message and would increase marijuana use. They also argue that marijuana is a gateway drug that would lead to the use of more dangerous drugs.

Supporters of abolishing the income tax say that abolition would save taxpayers an average of $3,600 per year and force politicians to downsize the budget and eliminate waste and pork. Opponents say that the abolition would cost the state $11 billion and force deep cuts in many essential programs.

HOW LONG WAS LAST WEEK'S SESSION? Beacon Hill Roll Call tracks the length of time that the House and Senate were in session each week. Many legislators say that legislative sessions are only one aspect of the Legislature's job and that a lot of important work is done outside of the House and Senate chambers. They note that their jobs also involve committee work, research, constituent work and other matters that are important to their districts. Critics say that the Legislature does not meet regularly or long enough to debate and vote in public view on the thousands of pieces of legislation that have been filed. They note that the infrequency and brief length of sessions are misguided and lead to irresponsible late night sessions and a mad rush to act on dozens of bills in the days immediately preceding the end of an annual session.

During the week of May 12-16, the House met for four hours and 10 minutes while the Senate met for three hours and three minutes.

Mon. May 12 House 11:04 a.m. to 11:35 a.m.;Senate 11:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Tues. May 13 No House session; Senate 11:00 a.m. to 11:08 a.m.

Wed. May 14 House 11:00 a.m. to 11:26 a.m.; Senate 11:07 a.m. to 11:53 a.m.

Thurs. May 15 House 11:02 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.; Senate 1:00 p.m. to 2:54 p.m.

Fri. May 16 No House session; No Senate session

Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com

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