Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Speaker DiMasi supports a gas tax hike

Speaker Sal DiMais has just issued a statement in favor of a gas tax increase.

Given the excessive proposal now on the table for doubling some tolls, one that will cost drivers in certain areas hundreds of dollars more each year just to get to work, I believe we must seriously consider alternatives like a gas tax increase. The fact is, the Massachusetts gas tax is below the national average and, while we would all prefer not to burden drivers with any new cost in difficult times, I believe the gas tax is a fairer way to share our costs and it should be fully considered before any tolls are increased.

Tough to tell whether the speaker supports just enough gas tax increase to offset the proposed toll hikes or something high enough to really reduce or eliminate the driving subsidy.

The devil will be in the details.

But, a good start.

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