On the heels of the release of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation report denouncing Question 1, Michael Widmer, the president of the foundation, said proponents of the ballot question are making unsubstantiated claims.

But, Widmer said, he isn't sure if they know they are or not.

"I don't know if they know better or if they really believe what they are saying," Widmer told PolitickerMA.com. "When [Committee for Small Government Chairwoman] Carla Howell says there won't be any need to cut programs, I don't know if she believes that or not."

In particular, Widmer's foundation disputed the backers of Question 1's assertion that the state spends $47 billion per year on its state budget. The foundation's report said that number is actually $31.8 billion. It also disputed Howell's claim that the success of Question 1 wouldn't result in cutting any state programs but, rather, the state would come up with the savings by trimming waste.

"When you are talking about something of this magnitude it is totally breathtaking that they are making the statements they are making and people are listening to them," Widmer said.

The Committee for Small Government did not immediately return calls for comment. When it does, it's response will appear on PolitickerMA.com.

Widmer said that if Question 1 succeeds, "there are going to be dire consequences."

"Whatever you are paying now," he said, "it is only going to get worse if Question 1 passes."

Ultimately, Widmer said his report significantly discredits Question 1.

"If there is one conclusion from our report," he said, "it is that their proposal is absurd."

UPDATE, Monday, 8:45 p.m.: Check out the Committee for Small Government's response here.