WESTFIELD – On Friday, Massachusetts State Representative John Velis of Westfield submitted a letter to Governor Baker strongly
JOHN VELIS
encouraging the Governor to strike a section of House bill 4457 once it reaches his desk. House bill 4457, An Act providing for the financing of certain improvements to municipal roads and bridges is slated to be taken up during formal session this weekend.
A recent amendment to this bill would require the Commonwealth to apply for federal funding to research the implementation of a vehicle miles traveled pilot program. This program would tax Massachusetts drivers based on the number of miles they have traveled.
In his letter, Velis explains how this mileage tax would unfairly burden certain sections of the Commonwealth, particularly Western Massachusetts. He highlights a lack of access to public transportation, longer commuting distances, and more as factors contributing to this unequal tax burden.
Here is Rep. Velis’ letter to Gov. Baker:
Massachusetts State House
Office of the Governor
Room 280
Boston, MA 02133
I am writing you today in regards to the impending passage of House bill 4557, An Act providing for the financing of certain improvements to municipal roads and bridges. It has come to my attention that, through recent amendments in the Senate, a provision has been added to this legislation that would require the Commonwealth to apply for federal funding. This funding would be used to research the implementation of a vehicle miles traveled pilot program. This program would tax Massachusetts drivers based on the number of miles they travel.
This mileage tax would unfairly burden citizens in Western Massachusetts and elsewhere in the Commonwealth. In the Western part of our state, citizens often travel much farther for work and daily activities. Public transportation is not as readily accessible as it may be for those commuting in and around the Boston area and in some cases is nonexistent. Western Massachusetts would be the unintended, automatic collateral damage of this new tax.
The long arm of government, with it’s hand in the taxpayers pockets, must be recognized in this instance as inherently destructive to the economic well being of the citizens. Taxation, at times, must be kept in check as its resultant effect may unfairly burden certain segments of the population of Commonwealth. Many citizens will become victimized by these tax measures by virtue of their residence.
With the effects of party politics consistently falling on the backs of taxpayers, I urge you to strongly consider the aforementioned as an issue that clearly transcends party lines. It demands that party politics be put aside for the benefit of all those citizens office holders, regardless of party affiliation, are bound to serve. Consequently, notwithstanding the shackles of party politics, I stand with the republican legislators and yourself on this particular matter.
This problematic amendment was added to an otherwise outstanding bill at a very busy time in the Commonwealth. With the legislative session quickly winding down, I urge you to strike this section of the bill.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration on this matter.
Sincerely,
John C. Velis
State Representative
4th Hampden District
