Via Afghanistan

From: "Anne - Rep. Gobi (HOU)"
Sent: Tuesday, April 9, 2013 5:55:31 PM
Subject: State House update

Good evening

The House passed a comprehensive transportation bill last night the plan includes the following reforms to our transportation system:

• Moves Employees off of the Capital Budget over 3 years;

• Provides forward funding for Regional Transit Authorities;

• Generates Revenue to Cover a Capital Plan;

• Gives MassDOT and the RTAs a long term plan to rely on;

The plan relies upon the following revenue items to finance the funding gap:

• A 3 cent increase to the gas tax (indexed with delay ) to help pay for road and bridges

-- $110 million;

• $1-per-pack increase on the tobacco excise tax -- $165 million;

• Modernizes the tax code on canned software to include modifications to software and computer system planning and design -- $161 million;

• Changes to the tax status of utility companies -- $83 million.

The bill now moves to the Senate.

I am well aware that there are a number of people who feel this is too much and many who feel it is too little. I see it as balanced and practical.

The Governor has already said he would the bill even before the Senate has had the opportunity for debate. I thank you for your input and for all you do.

Anne