Mass. Gas Tax Hike Bill Vetoed: Not Big Enough!

In an unusual move for governors loath to increase gas taxes, Mass. Governor Deval Patrick vetoed a bill not because it would raise and index gas taxes by three cents, but because the increase may not be big enough if Rt. 90 tolls are eliminated.

2 minute read

July 23, 2013, 10:00 AM PDT

By Irvin Dawid


John Goreham writes about a showdown between the governor and the legislature over transportation funding, including "a bailout of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) subway system which currently runs a deficit of about $115 million" as well as providing need funds for road and bridge improvements around the state.

The bill would raise $500 million a year this fiscal year and about $800 million a year by 2018. The bill increases the gas tax by 3 cents to 26.5 cents a gallon, hikes the cigarette tax by $1 to $3.51 a pack...The new taxes will take effect seven days after the bill becomes law. The bill would also annually increase the gas tax for inflation starting Jan. 1, 2015. [MassLive.com]

Gov. Patrick's objection is "that the tolls on Rt 90 in (western) Mass. are scheduled to close at some point in coming years. He wants a state gas tax guarantee in case that happens." Dan Ring writes in The Republican that the tolls west of Route 128 are scheduled to be eliminated "on Jan. 1, 2017 when the debt is paid off on that portion of the turnpike".  

Ring writes that the amendment that Patrick submitted to increase the gas tax by an additional 3-4 cents in the event that tolls are eliminated was rejected on Wednesday, 121-31 in the House and 29-9 in the Senate on Thursday

In the video accompanying the Examiner article, 22News reporter Christine Lee, apparently recorded prior to the first vote by the House on July 15 vote, further explains the governor's opposition to the bill, noting that the legislature's proposal is smaller than Patrick's $2 billion package that includes education funding. "But unlike the governor, most lawmakers intend to run for reelection" she states, "which Patrick says makes raising taxes a politically difficult legislative option..."

In addition to transit funding, Lee explains that the bill had no funds for repairing "the crumbling concrete on I-91" which Secretary of Transportation, Richard Davy, explains was "the largest, funded highway project in the Way Forward plan" (PDF). "It has to happen", he asserts.

The legislature can over-ride his vote with a two-thirds vote in the House and Senate. Lee stated that Patrick "is not confident that he has the votes to sustain the veto".

Friday, July 19, 2013 in Boston Examiner

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

High-rise apartment buildings in Waikiki, Hawaii with steep green mountains in background.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss

The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

April 6, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Two yellow and white Dallas Area Rapid Transit light rail streetcars at station in Dallas, Texas.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region

At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

April 3, 2025 - KERA News

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

Green and white interstate freeway signs pointing to Hayward and San Mateo and Half Moon Bay exits in Northern California.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project

The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

15 minutes ago - Streetsblog San Francisco

Kingsbridge Armory, large hangar-like brick building in the Bronx, New York City with brick lower floors and glass/metal curved roof..

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard

After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.

1 hour ago - Shelterforce Magazine

Close-up of white sign with black text; line drawing of bike and 'BIKE LANE'

Houston Mayor Promises Dedicated Austin Street Bike Lane After Public Backlash

Although the one-way bike lane won’t be protected by physical barriers, the proposal is an improvement over the mayor’s initial plan to only include sharrows on the Austin Street project.

2 hours ago - Houston Chronicle