A Case for the Gas Tax

Evan Lipchin
Aug 8, 2017 · 2 min read

Co-wrote by Jacob Gorenburg

Every day, millions of Massachusetts residents drive, bike, or take public transportation to get to work. However, largely unknown to them, their commute is growing more unsafe everyday. This year, Massachusetts received a D+ on its annual infrastructure report card, reflecting the dangerous state of transportation in the Commonwealth. 9.3% of bridges are considered structurally deficient, including the Storrow Drive bridge in Back Bay, which was recently named the “Worst Bridge in America” by Travel and Leisure magazine. Not only is our infrastructure unsafe, it’s also expensive, potholes and other hazards cost drivers an average of $539 each year in car repairs.

Currently, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts spends $2 billion annually on infrastructure, which may seem like a lot, but it is not doing much for our roads, which still ranks 45th in the nation. The problem is that this money is only a mere .6% of our state’s GDP. This is the lowest percentage of any state in the country. In a densely populated state like Massachusetts, this simply isn’t enough money.

Blame for our state’s lack of funding does not lie with our state government. In 2013, the state legislature sought to address this issue by raising the gas tax, which is traditionally a main source of funding for infrastructure repairs. Unfortunately, the very next year, voters rejected a further proposal to increase the gas tax each year to mirror inflation. Without a constantly rising tax, the state’s funding for infrastructure will not keep up with demand, further deteriorating the state of Massachusetts’ transportation system.

People are normally apprehensive about raising taxes; however, this tax will actually end up saving taxpayers money. More money for repairs means safer roads that will let drivers save on car repairs and insurance. In addition, better roads are correlated with boosts for industry, so a small increase in the gas tax could help improve our state’s economy. Finally, it’s a small price to pay to avoid life-threatening bridge collapses and other infrastructural disasters.

So what can you, a Massachusetts resident, do about this dire issue? If you want to show your legislators that this issue is important to you, send them an email or call their offices. Also, educate your friends and family about the dangers of a deteriorating infrastructure. That way, the next time Massachusetts residents vote on increasing the gas tax, we will have the support to make it law. Additionally, you can sign up to get more information on this and many other important issues on our website, FairShot For All. With active engagement from people like you, we can help improve the lives of everyone in Massachusetts.

Fair Shot for All

Fair Shot for All

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