I am gravely concerned about the impacts of the proposed MBTA fare increases and service cuts. In response to my questioning, MassDOT itself is aware that implementation of these measures will decrease ridership, with negative consequences for traffic congestion and air quality. (The latter report is 74 pages long; the traffic/air quality analysis is on pages numbered 39-41.) The proposed cuts and cost increases also raise serious issues of social equity, as well as adverse impacts on our economy as a whole.

When the state implemented "forward funding" for the MBTA in 2000, it created a structure destined for failure. Because the state's debt for the Big Dig was transferred to the MBTA at the same time that its state subsidy was replaced by dedicated sales tax revenue, the MBTA was doomed to a perpetual state of structural deficit. Only a major revenue infusion will reverse this situation; of the $450 million that the MBTA expects to collect in fares this year, 100% will go to debt service.

I worked hard to pass and to strengthen the Transportation Reform Bill of 2009, that created MassDOT, and empowered it to adopt numerous efficiencies and cost-savings measures for the MBTA, and for transportation generally. Secretary Davey said in a legislative briefing on January 3, 2012, that MassDOT would soon actualize all the MBTA's reform-based savings (e.g. moving all its employees to the GIC). He also said that the MBTA had already maximized all possible non-fare revenue - from monetization of parking facilities; one-time real estate sales, MBTA merchandise, advertising, etc.

Obviously, there is a need for new revenue. In 2009, Governor Patrick proposed a gas tax increase; legislative leadership responded by chanting "reform before revenue." Shelving the politically unpopular gas tax increase, leadership proposed instead the equally unpopular, and insufficient, increase in the sales tax rate.

In the last two sessions, I have filed a bill that would raise the gas tax, create a transportation tax credit for those of moderate means, and toll Big Dig infrastructure to pay Big Dig costs, among other innovations. In this session, that bill is numbered H.2659. It has not yet been scheduled for a public hearing.

Given the weak economy, and the militant rhetoric mounted against taxation, and the very institution of government, it is perhaps not surprising that talk of a gas tax increase remains politically radioactive. Folks outside the MBTA service area - and many within - love to complain about the MBTA. What do you think - how do we grow and empower pro-transit constituency?

For more information on the MBTA's recently proposed fare increases and service cuts, visit: http://www.mbta.com/about_the_mbta/?id=23567

The page includes how to submit public comments, which I hope you consider doing. 

Guess who said, "Casinos are the death knell of any neighborhood." Stumped? It was Tony Goldman, CEO of a company that owns two Miami Beach hotels, as quoted in the Boston Globe. Why are casinos generating so much controversy in Florida, a state which already has virtually every form of legal gambling known to man?

At issue are the plans of Genting Malaysia, owner of the world's largest casino (it's in Malaysia). Genting has bought half a billion dollars of Miami property in anticipation of the Florida legislature authorizing three additional casino licenses. The Florida tourism industry, and existing gaming interests, are distraught over the expectation of ruinous competition from this industry behemoth.

Any state - including Massachusetts - should be concerned about welcoming a casino operator that will be exporting US dollars to Malaysia. A subsidiary of Genting Malaysia is the new financial backer of the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe. Genting has also become a player in New York State gambling enterprises; you might have thought state leaders would consider its activities there before inviting this industry to Massachusetts.

For a light look at the Foxboro brouhaha, you may want to read, "The Deal" an amusing bit of verse.