Massachusetts Alert –Urge Governor Baker to Seek Legislative Approval for TCI Tax

[Shelia at NMA]

Dear NMA Massachusetts Members,

Massachusetts is one of twelve states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions to participate in the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) which would add a carbon tax per gallon of gas on top of the existing state fuel tax. The amount of the carbon tax for Massachusetts has not been announced.

Because of concerns that the state may enact the new tax without a legislative review of the agreement, the nonprofit Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance sent a letter earlier this month to Governor Baker which makes the case for a public review before a new tax is levied on motorists:

“In an October 1 story, the Boston Globe reported that, ‘. . . [Massachusetts] state officials said they likely have authority under the 2008 Global Warming Solutions Act to implement the agreement without such a vote.’ This raises the concern that such a far-reaching tax could be implemented without the legislative approval process.

“Make no mistake: this is a very slippery slope for Massachusetts. Although this is still in the early stages, lawmakers from other states in the TCI agreement are seeking legislative approval. Your administration, whether legally required or not, should also act in good faith and seek the same. There must be an open and transparent legislative process on the details of the agreement.”

We think MassFiscal has it exactly right; new taxes on motorists should not be enacted without the full review and approval of the state legislature. If you agree, now is the time to make your voice heard at the governor’s office.

Contact Governor Charlie Baker by any of the following methods:

Letter:             Massachusetts State House

                        24 Beacon St.

                        Office of the Governor, Room 280

                        Boston, MA  02133

Phone:             (617) 725-4005 (Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

                        or toll-free in state at (888) 870-7770 (same hours)

Email:              Online portal at https://www.mass.gov/forms/email-the-governors-office

Please be sure to include your name and address with any communication to verify your status as a voting constituent.

Thank you for your support of motorists’ rights and the National Motorists Association!

[Author]

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