Reform: Statement on Toll Increase Delay

Here is a joint statement from the Offices of House Speaker DeLeo, Senate President Murray, and Governor Patrick.

“The Governor, with the support of President Murray and Speaker DeLeo, will today call on the Turnpike Authority board to use a portion of their reserve funds for the Metropolitan Highway System to address its immediate financial crisis through the end of the fiscal year, and to vote to delay the toll increase previously approved for implementation on March 29, 2009 until July 1st.

“In addition, President Murray announced that the full Senate will consider their transportation reform proposal during the week of March 23. Speaker DeLeo also announced that the House of Representatives will take up that reform proposal during the week of March 30.

“Leaders of both the Senate and the House of Representatives have agreed to determine the need for new revenues and to enact legislation that would provide adequate revenues to support the reform proposal and fund our long term transportation needs no later than July 1, 2009.”