Deadlock in Boston over turnpike and transit $s

Legislators and the Patrick administration are trying to find new sources of revenue as an alternative to sharp increases in toll rates on the Massachusetts Turnpike, but they can't agree on how.

The state house majority led by Democrat speaker Robert DeLeo prefer an increase in the state sales tax from 5.0% to 6.25%, but Governor Patrick, also a Democrat says he'll veto any sales tax increase. Patrick wants a gas tax increase of 19c/gallon.

Legislators say a gas tax hike is unacceptable. The state senate's position is unclear.

Retailers say they'll lose huge business to New Hampshire if the state sales tax is increased.

DeLeo would dedicate 3/8c of the state sales tax to transportation or $275m/year if sales don't decrease. The Turnpike wants $100m extra which would leave $175m for transit.

A finance commission that studied transportation funding recommended a vehicle-miles charge, but that hasn't been taken up.

Toll increases have been approved by the Turnpike board to raise the extra in tolls starting July 1 if the legislators and the Governor can't reach agreement.

Meanwhile all can earnestly preach "reform" and "streamlining."

TOLLROADSnews 2009-04-28