Politics & Government

Ehrlich Votes With House Majority on Transportation Plan

The vote on the House transportation finance plan is not veto proof, however.

 

State Rep. Lori Ehrlich says she voted for a transportation finance plan that is moderate and mindful of middle class and small business needs.

The representative voted with the majority in the House — 97-55 — after lengthy debate Monday to approve its transportation bill.

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It would boost by $124,000 Chapter 90 money Marblehead receives for road projects. The town received $449,162 for roads in Fiscal Year '13; the House plan would provide $673,743 in Fiscal Year '14

The House plan would raise $500 million from new taxes. They would include increases to the gas tax, by 3 cents, and the tobacco tax.

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The revenue would end costly borrowing to pay transportation employee salaries, provide an additional $100 million for roads and shore up the MBTA deficit.

But the House margin would not overcome a veto by Gov. Deval Patrick.

The governor's plan would raise $1.9 billion for transportation and education. His plan calls for an increase to income, gas and tobacco taxes, and lowering the sales tax, as well as eliminating numerous deductions.

Rep. Ehrlich says the House plan makes more sense for the middle class.

"Over and over, I hear from people that they are worried about paying their bills," the representative said. "Heeding signs of alarm from bond-rating agencies about the Governor's approach, the legislature’s bill passed last night is sensitive to the economic needs of the middle class and small business owners.

"The House plan will also not interrupt what is still a fragile economic recovery and drew support from  the major business and municipal organizations in Massachusetts. It's moderate, broad-based, and provides a dedicated revenue stream without completely upending the tax code and increasing the income tax."

It remains to be seen how the budget differences will play out between the governor and the Legislature.


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