Jones Votes No on Transportation Finance Bill

The Massachusetts House approved a transportation finance bill that will raise about $500 million in new taxes, according to Boston.com. House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. was joined by the House Republican Caucus in voting against the bill.

The House voted 97 to 55 to approve the bill Monday after debating for about 10 hours, Boston.com said. Jones was one of the 55 to vote against the bill.

“By electing to raise taxes in the Commonwealth, Democrats on Beacon Hill have indicated their willingness to help fund Governor Patrick’s legacy project,” Jones said. “Unfortunately, despite the House Republican Caucus’ proposal of an alternative transportation finance plan – free from any statewide tax increases – the residents of Massachusetts are on the verge of having to pay for the third major tax increase since Governor Patrick was sworn into office.”

The bill will cause Massachusetts residents to see gasoline tax up by three cents per gallon, an increase in tobacco taxes and more.

Democrats claim that the new revenue will close the MBTA's operating deficit, eliminate the need to borrow money to pay for state transportation employees' salaries and add an additional $100 million to the budget for local road projects, Boston.com said.