Read my just-published piece on the MBTA funding crisis, and Massachusetts' transportation finance needs, and let me know what you think.

A public hearing will be held on Monday, February 6, at 11:30am in Room A-1 in the State House on H.2659, my bill relative to transportation finance and equity. The bill would raise the gas tax; distribute new revenue among transportation sectors,;introduce tolling on the CA/T infrastructure to pay for it, and other innovations. To submit testimony, you can attend the hearing in person and speak on the bill, or submit written testimony to the committee chairmen.

The MBTA is holding public hearings to get feedback on its proposals to increase fares and decrease services. The public hearing in Somerville will take place on Tuesday, February 28, from 6pm to 8pm, at the Somerville High School auditorium. I encourage you to join me in attending, as public input is crucial. For those of you who cannot attend (and also for those of you who can) I encourage you to submit written comments by email (send to fareproposal@mbta.com) or mail to:

Fare Proposal 
10 Park Plaza, Suite 3910 
Boston, MA 02116

2012 will be the third year in which I will be presenting, with Somerville Climate Action, a monthly film series on environmental issues. Past films have dealt - entertainingly - with such issues as coal mining by mountaintop renewal,;what makes a "green building;" and why colonies of honeybees are disappearing, putting crops at risk.

This year's series starts off with films on subjects that have been much in the news. Have you wondered about the controversy surrounding the proposed Keystone Pipeline? Come see "Pipe Dreams," at the Main Library at 79 Highland Avenue, on Wednesday February 15 .

Have you read stories about concerns that a drilling technique called hydraulic fracturing ("fracking") pollutes groundwater? Or heard that fracking is thought to be the cause of a recent earthquake in Ohio? Come see "Gasland," also at the Main Library, on Tuesday, March 6 (start time TBD).

To view the developing schedule for this year's films, visit the Somerville Climate Action's website. I will also publicize screenings on my Facebook page, and in future newsletters.

See you at the movies!

Governor Patrick's budget for upcoming fiscal year 2013 assumes new revenue of $51.25 million from taxing candy and soda. Right now, both products are considered "food," and are exempt from sales tax under the general sales tax exemption for food. The Governor proposes to remove candy and soda from the exemption.

What do you think of the Governor's idea? How would you feel about the sales tax being changed on these products? Your feedback will help me determine my position on this proposal.