MFA Challenges: 'Legislators Voted for Tax Hike and Get Paid to Drive'

The Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance in a recent press release stated that more than 60 legislators voted for the tax hike on gas, which went into effect on Aug. 1.  

"As taxpayers across the Commonwealth begin to feel the effects of new and higher taxes today," said the MFA, "public records show that many of the legislators who voted to implement these higher taxes, such as the one on gasoline, are also benefiting from taxpayer funded reimbursements for when they travel to the Statehouse."

Per diems are payments claimed by legislators for their travel expenses from their district to the Statehouse in Boston. The MFA said that from Jan. 1, 2013, to July 1, 2013, 48 state representatives and 11 state senators who supported the transportation finance bill claimed per diem payments. The MFA included a listing of the legislators who claimed per diems, which includes Sen. Michael Moore, D-Millbury.

"According to the American Petroleum Institute," said the MFA, "gas tax increase of 3 cents per gallon, tied to the rate of inflation, places Massachusetts above the national average for state excise taxes and Massachusetts drivers will be forced to pay 42 cents per gallon in state and federal taxes."

"Paying 42 cents in federal and state taxes per gallon of gasoline is a big hit for working families," stated Paul D. Craney, executive director of Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance in the release. "As the Legislature goes into recess, taxpayers should ask their elected officials who claim per diem reimbursements and voted for the gas tax hike why consumers need to pay this tax while some politicians don't." 

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