From John Nunnari –
TAX BILL, CHAPTER 90 PROPOSAL CLEAR WAYS AND MEANS
The proposal by top Democratic lawmakers to boost state revenue by $500 million to finance transportation needs won endorsement Wednesday of the House Committee on Ways and Means, which polled members starting Tuesday evening. The committee voted 17-6, with three members reserving their rights, in favor of the bill (H 3382), which would add money for transportation through an increase in tobacco taxes, business taxes and a gas tax increase. A related borrowing authorization bill (H 3379) to send $300 million to cities and towns for local roads through the Chapter 90 program this year won unanimous support for the committee with a 26-0 vote. Rep. Carl Sciortino (D-Medford) said he reserved his rights in the poll and said the $500 million plan did not meet the needs of the transportation system, which Gov. Deval Patrick has said will need about $1 billion annually. “I think the bill as it stands is inadequate. We clearly need to do more than that,” Sciortino told the News Service. The bills are expected to be debated in a formal session on Monday. The House Clerk’s office anticipates the House will set a deadline of Friday at 5 p.m. for amendments to both bills. Polling closed at 10:30 a.m. – M. Murphy
John Nunnari, Assoc AIA
Executive Director, AIA MA
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