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"When it feels like there’s more money than we know what to do with, it opens the door to bad policies," said Evan Horowitz, executive director of the Center for State Policy Analysis at Tufts University.

"A new report from Tufts University is urging lawmakers to take action on the classification of gig drivers before the November election, calling a ballot question that will go before voters 'unusual.'"

"Massachusetts voters go to the polls in November to decide whether Uber and Lyft drivers should be classified as independent contractors, but a new report suggests that might not be the final word on the issue."

"The confusion starts with what the Tufts analysis calls the “unusual” fact that the question lacks a standard 'keep the status quo' option for voters, as seen with most ballot questions. "

"The cSPA report lays out options for lawmakers to consider if they want to intervene, including the possibility of the state overseeing a centralized benefit system for gig workers"

"Tufts University's Center for State Policy Analysis reports the surcharge tax would apply to roughly 21,000 taxpayers."

"Using a similar approach, Tufts University’s Center for State Policy Analysis recently estimated that the proposed surtax would generate only $1.3 billion in 2023."

A more recent report from the Tufts University Center for State Policy Analysis used data from the IRS and state to estimate how much would be raised by the tax if it went into effect next year. The number they came up with was $1.3b

“My sense in this case is that it is not particularly likely, but it is not impossible,” Horowitz said of the possibility of the legislature intervening.