Dwyer 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. State Representative Jim Dwyer voted against the bill.

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

"I want to make it very clear that I agree that our transportation system is broken. However, I voted consistently [Monday] to not raise any taxes. Ultimately, the proposal was passed by a vote of 97 yeas to 55 nays and sent to the senate for their consideration," Dwyer said.

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.