House Transportation Bill: How Did Newton Lawmakers Vote?

$500 million in new taxes.

That's what the Massachusetts House of Representatives approved in a late-night vote Monday for its plan to make sorely needed improvements in Massachusetts roads, bridges and public transportation.

As reported by the Associated Press, the House approved the bill 97-55 after more than 10 hours of debate. It includes a gas tax hike of 3 cents per gallon and increased tobacco taxes. 

But that House bill is scaled back significantly from Gov. Deval Patrick's plan to bring in $2 billion in new revenue to help fund transportation and education. Among other measures, Patrick's plan calls for a hike in the state income tax. 

So, how did the Newton legislators vote on the House bill?

Both 11th Middlesex Rep. Kay Khan and 12th Middlesex Rep. Ruth Balser voted in favor of the House's transportation bill. 

"I think this is a good first step," Khan told Newton Patch Tuesday, saying that sometimes measures have to be dealt with "slowly and incrementally." 

"We don't want to burden our taxpayers too much," Khan added. 

Last week, Patrick stood by his plan, stating that House's $500 million in new taxes would simply "kick the can down the road" and that he would veto the bill if it came to his desk, according to Boston.com.

With a 97-55 vote, the House is a few votes short of the margin it would need to override a veto from Patrick. 

While she was "prepared to support something bigger," Balser told Newton Patch Tuesday that the House had a "political reality to deal with" and a plan had to be put forward that would get the most votes.

"This is a political process," Balser said. "There are lots of folks who feel that this is a stressed economy and they are not prepared to vote for more taxes." 

With the House's $500 million plan, Balser said the state will be able to take MBTA employees' salaries out of the capital budget and put them into the operating budget, opening up funding to tackle capital projects. 

In addition, the House bill will help the MBTA avoid fare increases and service cuts, Balser said.

"There's no rule that says you have to do everything at once," Balser said. "What we voted for [Monday] night will accomplish important things." 

After Monday night's House vote, Patrick has said he's hoping for a compromise between the House's $500 million and his nearly $2 billion plan, according to Boston.com.

Patrick's office has also posted a set of online maps showing the projects that would receive funding through his transportation plan. 

In Newton, some of the projects included bridge work along Route 9 as well as funding for bike/pedestrian paths and some roadway improvements on Needham Street/Highland Avenue.

As for those Newton projects in need of transportation funding, Khan said she is continuing to look for opportunities in an upcoming Transportation Bond Bill, through which she has received funding for handicap accessibility improvements to the Auburndale commuter rail stop. 

In addition, Khan said she is "keeping her eyes and ears peeled" for possible grants that could fund needed projects in the city. 

Editor's Note: Patch reached out to 10th Middlesex State Rep. John Lawn (D-Watertown) on the vote, but did not hear back before publishing. We will update the story with additional information as it becomes available.

What do you think? Would you rather fewer new taxes and tax hikes while tackling the state's massive transportation issues? Or should Massachusetts go all-in on Gov. Patrick's much more expensive plan?