Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and his Secretary of Transportation Jim Aloisi recently released a plan to reform the management of transportation in Massachusetts as well as to better finance improvements and operations. A key element of this plan is to increase gas taxes by 19 cents per gallon, indexed to inflation.
By signing on to this petition, you indicate your support for the use of increased gas taxes as a desirable approach to financing transportation. Relying on toll increases on the Mass Turnpike would be both unfair and insufficient. Doing nothing and continuing to leave transportation unfunded would cost everyone more, both directly and indirectly.
In addition, gas taxes help to create more incentives for higher fuel-economy vehicles.
Opponents of gas taxes tend to be much more vocal than supporters. Sign on the petition below in order to demonstrate broad support for increased gas taxes.
We the undersigned support the Governor Patrick's proposed increase of gas taxes as a key strategy within his overall transportation reform and finance plan.
Gas taxes make much more sense and ensure greater regional equity than other options such as raising tolls or using a general sales tax increase. In addition, higher gas taxes help create greater incentives for more fuel efficient vehicles.
We call upon you to support Governor Patrick's proposal for comprehensive transportation reform and financing, including increased gas taxes as the most sensible way to fund our substantial transportation finance needs.
