Now You Know Why Our Governor Charlie Faker Wants To Raise Our Gas Taxes Thru Climate Initiative Hoax (Boston: how much, employment)

[TheGoodTheBadTheUgly]

To pay for the states massive pension obligation thats Unsustainable. As matter of fact there was an article in the Boston herald over the weekend where 1400 state retired employees are making $100,000 or more a year in pensions. And another 1100 making $90,000. This is why Charlie faker is pushing so hard for the the climate initiative to raise our gas taxes. It’s not about the environment it’s about a money power grab for the hack-a-rama on beacon hill.

BTW...Billy Bulger makes $200,000 a year pension courtesy of the tax payers.

So when they tell you there’s no money for the roads, law enforcement or education...don’t believe it!

Payment towards Massachusetts state pensions growing by more than 9.6% each year

https://www.masslive.com/politics/20...each-year.html

[Shrewsburried]

People might take your pension concerns a bit more seriously if you could resist packaging the message with a mixture of dumbed down Howie Carr shtick and far-right anti-science (i.e., climate change is a thing which should be addressed regardless of what origin story you believe).

Pensions are a universal problem as seemingly every state government seems to assume above par market returns. While they have the FED in their corner in this regard, things like recessions or trade wars tend to average down returns.

[FCMA]

I might take shrill anti gas tax chest-thumping more seriously if it wasn’t resulting in a mere $1-$2 per tank increase, a small price to pay for improved transportation systems. That is barely going to break anyone’s bank, even my own sorry lower middle class wallet. Cue the right-wing amoebae making whiny pronouncements of driving to NH to fill up, and spending $5 in gas just to get there.

Any compelling proof that these funds wouldn’t go towards MBTA and roads other than conspiracy? At the same time, I acknowledge the pensions are a real concern.

[timberline742]

Also keep in mind for current state employees the state contributes less than they would if it were a social security.contribution.

[CaseyB]

There's nothing in that link that mentions the Gas Tax.

As far as the Gas Tax itself, it was repealed 5 years ago and can be repealed again.

[TheGoodTheBadTheUgly]

There's nothing in that link that mentions the Gas Tax.

As far as the Gas Tax itself, it was repealed 5 years ago and can be repealed again.

The compact would charge fuel companies for the carbon emissions associated with the gas and diesel they sell. Half of the money raised through the fees would go toward Baker’s $18 billion transportation bond bill, which includes major investments in the beleaguered MBTA.

Baker could enact the TCI via an executive order.

https://www.bostonherald.com/2019/12...te-initiative/

[Atomicdoug]

We are paying the same price for gas in 2020 that we paid in 1970 (adjusted for inflation).

[TheGoodTheBadTheUgly]

We are paying the same price for gas in 2020 that we paid in 1970 (adjusted for inflation).

Whats your point?

[bugelrex]

Originally Posted by Atomicdoug

We are paying the same price for gas in 2020 that we paid in 1970 (adjusted for inflation).

Imagine how much goods and foods costs would be if transportation costs had tripled since 1970?

I think a 'per mile' tax will be in the cards soon once more electric cars on are the road.

[GeoffD]

Gasoline taxes are pretty regressive and heavily penalize rural people. Means tested electronic tolls would be a better approach. If you’re commuting to your $15/hour job with no public transportation option, you don’t pay much of a toll. it’s not like Massachusetts doesn’t have everyone’s tax return and employment information.