Gregoire Votes Against Transportation Bill

Denying higher taxes for projects communities can pay for on their own was State Rep. Danielle Gregoire's reason for voting against the transportation bill that recently passed through the house.

"I was hearing overwhelmingly that now is not the time for tax increases," said Gregoire who represents the 4th Middlesex District that covers Marlborough, Northborough and Westborough.

The bill was voted through the house at lesser levels than proposed by Governor Deval Patrick, but would still have resulted in a 3 cent increase in the gas tax and an increased tobacco tax, according to an article from Boston.com. While the bill was passed, at 97-55, it was shy of the margin needed to override a veto by Gov. Patrick who said the bill doesn't do enough to fix the state's infrastructure, according to the article.

Under the governor's proposed transportation funding, the 4th Middlsex District would have received more than an additional $12 million over the next 10 years.

• Marlborough — $5.7 million
• Northborough — $2.4 million
• Westborough — $4.1 million

Gregoire said she sees the need for investment in roads and bridges, but that many communities — such as Marlborough — are sitting on money that could be put forward to these projects. Many municipalities can fund these projects, she said explaining that she understands that some communities in the state do not have these additional resources.

"I have respect for my colleagues that voted the other way," she said.