House Passes Leadership's Transportation Bill
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BOSTON — The Legislature is setting up a veto challenge for Gov. Deval Patrick after the House passed a $500 million transportation bill late Monday night that doesn't include the income tax hike or expanded investment in education or transportation the governor is calling for.
It does include a 3 cent gas tax and $1 cigarette tax.
The governor, who proposed a $1.9 billion spending plan, had pledged last week to veto any "pretend solutions" to the state's infrastructure problems. The House would need a two-thirds vote to override the veto.
Late Monday night, Speaker Robert Deleo's office sent out of short missive on how proud he was of the vote "for a carefully calibrated revenue package that allows us to fund our transportation system without placing excessive burden on taxpayers."
The bill passed 97-55, just short of two-thirds but a number of representatives did not vote. According to Progressive Massachusetts, Berkshire Reps. Gailanne Cariddi and Paul Mark voted for the bill; Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier voted against, and Rep. William "Smitty" Pignatelli did not vote. The Senate takes up the bill on Thursday.
MassBudget has comparisons of both the governor's and the Legislature's plans.
"This bill asks everyone to pay more but get less. I am not willing to compromise for this to happen".
— Deval Patrick (@MassGovernor) April 9, 2013
I am Hopeful. Both the Speaker and Senate President have agreed these are investments worth making. twitter.com/MassGovernor/s…
— Deval Patrick (@MassGovernor) April 9, 2013
Tags: State House, transportation,
