Politics & Government
Gov. Patrick: Gas Tax Hike Not Answer to MBTA Funding Shortfall
Patrick tells radio station that fuel-efficient cars have made a gas tax increase less viable as a long-term solution.
Governor Deval Patrick no longer considers an increase to the state's gas tax as remedy to the state's transit funding troubles.
In an appearance on WTKK radio Thursday, Patrick said the rapid shift to more fuel-efficient vehicles has changed his mind about the long-term impact increasing the gas tax would have on the state's coffers, according to an AP report.
The state hasn't increased its gas tax since 1991.
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Following the MBTA's recent announcement that it would have to make significant sacrifices to service or drastically increase fares to make up for a projected $185 million shortfall,
"MBTA fares have more than doubled since the gas tax was last raised in 1991 and now," State Rep. Carl Sciortino, D-Medford/Somerville, . "We have to have a conversation again about the gas tax."
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Earlier in his administration, Patrick sought a 19-cent increase of the gas tax but it was voted down by the Massachusetts legislature.
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