|
11/12/2019 |
Dave |
Short |
Ind |
Bridgewater |
Massachusetts |
This state doesn’t need another tax increase, no matter how you package it. This democratic run legislature thinks nothing of adding to the tax burden on the citizens of this state. How about... read more This state doesn’t need another tax increase, no matter how you package it. This democratic run legislature thinks nothing of adding to the tax burden on the citizens of this state. How about finding ways to save money for the taxpayers? Ya’ know, sharpen the pencils. This is a bad idea that will hopefully affect your political aspirations. Then again, I am a Republican who voted Scott Brown and Geoff Diehl and has no desire to see any of you re-elected anyway. All I know is , there are ways to raise the money you so desperately crave, without stepping on us even harder. So pissed. Anybody can get elected and raise taxes. Make what you get from us work. Spend some time on the job. |
- |
|
11/13/2019 |
ross |
almquist |
voter |
bridgewater |
Massachusetts |
Never support a tax that isn't voted on by elected officials. If allowed, vote the official OUT! read more Never support a tax that isn't voted on by elected officials. If allowed, vote the official OUT! |
- |
|
12/2/2019 |
gary |
marrese |
Mass. republican party |
Bridgewater |
Massachusetts |
I am outraged Governor baker would even consider a massive tax on gasoline without a vote in the Legislature. We already spend more on roads and infrastructure per mile than any other state in... read more I am outraged Governor baker would even consider a massive tax on gasoline without a vote in the Legislature. We already spend more on roads and infrastructure per mile than any other state in the country, and now you want to crush us with this insane tax. Many young people I meet including my own children are talking about leaving this state because of the cost of living in Massachusetts. If the Governor does this there will be recall petitions circulated to remove him from the Governor's office. |
- |
|
1/16/2020 |
Jessica |
Martinkosky |
concerned resident and parent |
Bridgewater |
Virginia |
We are in need of clean transportation solutions for our own health and the health of where we live. I want my children and grandchildren to grow up healthy in a beautiful state with a wide... read more We are in need of clean transportation solutions for our own health and the health of where we live. I want my children and grandchildren to grow up healthy in a beautiful state with a wide variety of flora and fauna. Spending time outdoors is incredibly important to human health and the air needs to be clean for everyone to take advantage of this deep human need. In addition to the advantages for local residents, a clean and healthy outdoor environment brings in ecotourism dollars as well.
Virginia needs to join the plan to reduce emissions. Some solutions might be the installation of a railway up the I81 corridor to reduce semi traffic; installation of high-speed passenger trains like they have in China (they're fast, smooth and very efficient); mandates on increased fuel efficiency in vehicles and farm equipment; subsidies to encourage people to buy fuel-efficient, hybrid and electric vehicles; more and better public transportation in high-density areas to reduce car use and pollution from idling cars stuck in traffic; more bike paths for commuters built into city and road planning (they have a wonderful system of bike paths in the Netherlands); subsidies for farmers who reduce their use of fossil fuels through the use of fuel-efficient or solar-powered farm equipment, more animal and people power, etc.; encouraging development of electric and solar-powered or augmented semi trucks and many more options.
This policy in particular needs to invest in clean transportation in areas that are already heavily polluted and in economically depressed areas. If we ignore the needs of the poor and underserved, we are not truly improving things, we're just sweeping them under the rug.
I am delighted and grateful that this is a bipartisan effort to improve our state and our nation. In this time of deep polarization, it is encouraging and of vital importance for the two sides to work together on policies that affect us all and will affect Americans for generations to come. |
- |
|
2/17/2020 |
Susan |
Dion |
Tax payer |
Bridgewater |
Massachusetts |
As a tax payer in this state I do not think it is up to the governor to make this decision. We should be able to vote on it. As a tax payer in this state I do not think it is up to the governor to make this decision. We should be able to vote on it. |
- |
|
2/22/2020 |
Thomas |
Grant |
WCSU |
Bridgewater |
Connecticut |
It just makes sense to convert as much transportation to electric as possible. Not only environmentally but financially in the long run. It just makes sense to convert as much transportation to electric as possible. Not only environmentally but financially in the long run. |
- |
|
2/27/2020 |
Richard |
Puglisi |
Mr. |
Bridgewater |
New Jersey |
Reducing pollution from transportation is a key component to reducing New Jersey's emissions.
Public transit investments that could be made with TCI proceeds would be valuable.... read more Reducing pollution from transportation is a key component to reducing New Jersey's emissions.
Public transit investments that could be made with TCI proceeds would be valuable.
Please choose the aggressive greenhouse gas reduction target that the most recent climate science tells us we need
I urge that the policy prioritize clean investments in areas overburdened by pollution and/or for those who don’t have access to transportation choices.
Thank you |
- |
|
2/28/2020 |
Carole |
Smudin |
none |
Bridgewater |
Massachusetts |
we need clean air, please we need clean air, please |
- |
|
10/27/2019 |
Bill |
Floster |
none |
Bridgton |
Maine |
I do not support this initiative. Maine is a rural state and distances traveled are long just to take care of basic needs. Also, this makes mass transportation impractical. Maine population is... read more I do not support this initiative. Maine is a rural state and distances traveled are long just to take care of basic needs. Also, this makes mass transportation impractical. Maine population is also among the oldest in the nation and a tax such as this will weigh heavily on fixed income recipients.
I also object to paying a tax that is then used to subsidize the purchase of a new electric vehicle that I most certainly cannot afford.
I would like Maine to withdraw from this initiative and plan to let my Governor and representatives know how I feel. |
- |
|
10/27/2019 |
Steven |
Haggett |
Republican |
Bridgton |
Maine |
Increase in Fuel TAXES will force MAINE back into DEEPER POVERTY than before the LePage RECOVERY and Maine's Return to HONEST Government business practices. Not with HER EGOTISTICAL Desires... read more Increase in Fuel TAXES will force MAINE back into DEEPER POVERTY than before the LePage RECOVERY and Maine's Return to HONEST Government business practices. Not with HER EGOTISTICAL Desires of Seeking the NATIONAL LIME LIGHT. |
- |
|
10/28/2019 |
Richard |
Coshow |
Maine Resident |
Bridgton |
Maine |
I am against the disguised tax!
First, the government(s) should not be in the business of choosing winners and losers in the marketplace with the use of taxes, rebates, tax... read more I am against the disguised tax!
First, the government(s) should not be in the business of choosing winners and losers in the marketplace with the use of taxes, rebates, tax incentives, or any other artificial economic drivers. Let the marketplace function freely, and the most efficient and fair solutions will arise free of government interference, which has proven to be a poor substitute for the market time and time again.
Second, the need for infrastructure improvements and repairs (long lived assets) can be financed with long term bonds when we are in a very attractive borrowing cycle, but only if needed. This at least matches the asset life with the debt duration.
Third, Maine's budget is long on spending on "soft" programs to the detriment of hard spending. That reflects a fundamental difference that needs bi-partisan cooperation to solve, the likes of which we've not seen from Mills, Jackson, Gideon.
Fourth, Maine has some of the highest rates of overall taxation in the entire USA, while not representing any particular reason for that excessive spending. Perhaps Maine needs to review overall finances in a comprehensive manner.
Fifth, taxes should be direct, at the pump, and honest. This is neither. If you want to encourage conservative, a pump tax will have a subtle, direct effect. Not one I agree with, but it is honest.
I vote NO! |
- |
|
10/28/2019 |
Nancy |
Coshow |
Maine Resident |
Bridgton |
Maine |
I am against the disguised tax!
First, the government(s) should not be in the business of choosing winners and losers in the marketplace with the use of taxes, rebates, tax... read more I am against the disguised tax!
First, the government(s) should not be in the business of choosing winners and losers in the marketplace with the use of taxes, rebates, tax incentives, or any other artificial economic drivers. Let the marketplace function freely, and the most efficient and fair solutions will arise free of government interference, which has proven to be a poor substitute for the market time and time again.
Second, the need for infrastructure improvements and repairs (long lived assets) can be financed with long term bonds when we are in a very attractive borrowing cycle, but only if needed. This at least matches the asset life with the debt duration.
Third, Maine's budget is long on spending on "soft" programs to the detriment of hard spending. That reflects a fundamental difference that needs bi-partisan cooperation to solve, the likes of which we've not seen from Mills, Jackson, Gideon.
Fourth, Maine has some of the highest rates of overall taxation in the entire USA, while not representing any particular reason for that excessive spending. Perhaps Maine needs to review overall finances in a comprehensive manner.
Fifth, taxes should be direct, at the pump, and honest. This is neither. If you want to encourage conservative, a pump tax will have a subtle, direct effect. Not one I agree with, but it is honest.
I vote NO! |
- |
|
10/30/2019 |
Sally |
Chappell |
private citizen |
Bridgton |
Maine |
My name is Sally Chappell, and I live in Bridgton, ME, a rural town about 40 miles from Portland, ME. As a person who lost both parents at the same time in a car accident over forty years ago, I... read more My name is Sally Chappell, and I live in Bridgton, ME, a rural town about 40 miles from Portland, ME. As a person who lost both parents at the same time in a car accident over forty years ago, I am constantly aware of mobility and the need for safe travel. If I could, I would give up driving. I had hoped to quit driving by the time I reached 70 years of age, but at 72, I have no options for public transportation where I live.
Moreover, I am concerned about the climate and the amount of fossil fuels used to meet Americans' transportation needs. Policies on transportation should take into account the science of climate change and what that portends in the future as well as ensuring equity for low-income, the handicapped (my husband is blind), and ageing people who are more likely to decline in competence in dealing with fast-moving, crowded highways. My husband and I just returned from a trip to PA and NJ, and the highways were nerve-wracking.
I am grateful for Gov. Mills' support of the Transportation and Climate Initiative as well as for the nonpartisan aspect of the initiative.
Can a 72-year old look forward to increased transportation options that help us get around while reducing emissions of greenhouse gases? I hope so. Time is running short for the earth's ecosystems. |
- |
|
1/2/2020 |
Paul |
Kenyon |
Cumulus Engineering, LLC. |
Bridport |
Vermont |
the TCI should be engaged provided 1.) the tax isn't regressive, that is that those most able to pay carry the burden, 2.) provided the most basic due diligence is done, that is, that the... read more the TCI should be engaged provided 1.) the tax isn't regressive, that is that those most able to pay carry the burden, 2.) provided the most basic due diligence is done, that is, that the data that overwhelmingly supports the thesis that it is CO2, one of the fossil fuels combustion products, that is the primary driver of climate, and that this is ascertained and made clear and public 3.) that the CO2 increase constitutes a "climate crisis" demonstrated by data, not just "studies," or hearsay from other sources, that is made public, 4.) that the CO2 increase benefits--greater harvests of all agricultural sorts and others--are out weighed by the damages it causes, 5.) that it's shown that the reduction in CO2 will have a measurable benefit to life and out weigh the benefits that the use of fossil fuels have brought the world and remain to come to those peoples who have lacked these developmental benefits thus far. This is a list of minimum requirements. Others will appear and must also be considered.
And, just to check, please answer this question: "In 1950 there were about 5000 of the climate-crisis pin-up icon, endangered polar bears in the Arctic. Mankind having done nothing to address "Climate Change," the polar bear population has been reduced to...how many polar bears? How many of these threatened, iconic bears are there now in the Arctic/" |
- |
|
2/19/2020 |
Diana |
Bain |
Resident Voter |
Bridport |
Vermont |
I strongly urge you to move forward with a regional program that prioritizes the needs of communities overburdened with pollution and underserved in mobility options. We can cut poverty and... read more I strongly urge you to move forward with a regional program that prioritizes the needs of communities overburdened with pollution and underserved in mobility options. We can cut poverty and pollution at the same time! |
- |
|
12/1/2019 |
Bruce |
Wojciechowski |
Concerned tax payer |
Brighton |
Massachusetts |
MASSACHUSETTS is not California !!! The working poor cannot afford another tax. We pay enough. If this state needs more money for hack jobs, get it from some else. Try cutting some of the overpaid... read more MASSACHUSETTS is not California !!! The working poor cannot afford another tax. We pay enough. If this state needs more money for hack jobs, get it from some else. Try cutting some of the overpaid government bureaucrats. Not everybody can drive a bike to work. |
- |
|
12/20/2019 |
Michael |
Small |
Resident of Brighton, Massachusetts, MBTA, intercity bus and amtrak rider |
Brighton |
Massachusetts |
First, I'm very pleased that you are implementing this initiative and that Governor Baker is onboard with the idea.
1. Offsets -- the offsets should be very strictly defined... read more First, I'm very pleased that you are implementing this initiative and that Governor Baker is onboard with the idea.
1. Offsets -- the offsets should be very strictly defined and regulated. E.g. when I fly to Canada I can buy a CO2 offset for only about $6, but a researcher at St. Mary's University in Halifax claims this offset is a lie. It can't be guaranteed in the long term to really offset the emissions. The offsets clause sounds like a potentially huge loophole. I'm sure I'm not the only one saying this. Who judges what's a real offset?
2. Stability Mechanisms -- I like that there is a feedback mechanism either way -- if costs go too high or if costs are unexpectedly low. However, I think there should be language that allows for having more ambition before 2032 in terms of how much we're willing to pay for reductions and how high our reductions must be. 25% by 2032 may seem good in today's political climate in the U.S. But right now leaders in Denmark are being criticized for planning overall reductions of 60% by 2030 IIRC, criticized for that being not ambitious enough that is. In five years, if the TCI is working well, I'd hope political will would exist for more realistic targets. By more realistic I mean more realistic in terms of what is necessary to avert climate crisis, i.e. higher reduction targets. The news from the scientists both about climate CO2 sensitivity and about its dangerous effects seems only to be getting worse each passing year and never better.
3. Maybe I'm feeling spiteful, thinking particularly about Governor Sununu, but I'd like it, if possible, if we could be good to those in the TCI with us and bad to those not. E.g. if Rhode Island is in, let's make Providence a good commuting community for jobs in Boston and make Nashua less so.
4. Compliance period - I'd defer to those experienced with the electric power supplier cap and trade programs, but it strikes me that three years is a long time out for the first trading/compliance date. People are talking about 2030 as a critical target date for reducing our emissions significantly. 2025 would be the first date where we really see this initiative acting, if I'm understanding correctly. That leaves a very narrow window if the initiative doesn't immediately have much effect. People who are critical about cap and trade/invest programs tend to be critical about them having caps that are too high to bring about much effect. With electric power emission cap and trade we got a bit of a gift from natural gas supply, right? Transportation may not get such a gift, so this program might have to be more rigorous to do as well.
Regards and thanks again for this plan,
Mike Small |
- |
|
1/16/2020 |
Courtney |
Brown |
concerned citizen |
BRIGHTON |
Massachusetts |
I am pleased that my home state, Massachusetts, is a member of the Transportation and Climate Initiative. As an informed person who understands that the carbon emissions from our current transit... read more I am pleased that my home state, Massachusetts, is a member of the Transportation and Climate Initiative. As an informed person who understands that the carbon emissions from our current transit system is one of the region's biggest contributions to greenhouse gases, I see that it is of utmost importance that the TCI release a solid, workable plan to revitalize our transportation infrastructure to something that is more modern, efficient, and above all low carbon. The solution needs to make actively invest in clean technologies, with a particular emphasis on equity for areas that are currently overburdened by transportation pollution. The pollution emitted from vehicles has for years caused immediate harm to those communities via air pollution; that harm needs to be addressed. Success for the TCI must include working for all communities in the region and use the science to make active improvements. As our federal government is currently failing to address greenhouse gas emissions, it is all the more important for initiatives like TCI to build a sustainable framework for a greener, healthier future. |
- |
|
2/28/2020 |
Cyndie |
Widmer |
constituent |
Brinklow |
Maryland |
I strongly support the TCI. I strongly support the TCI. |
- |
|
10/25/2019 |
Lynne |
Gilbert |
Natural Resources Council of Maine, Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust |
Bristol |
Maine |
My family regularly uses public transportation if we are going beyond our home county. This usually means the Concord Coach, or The Downeaster. If a cleaner solution was available to us, we... read more My family regularly uses public transportation if we are going beyond our home county. This usually means the Concord Coach, or The Downeaster. If a cleaner solution was available to us, we would DEFINITELY take advantage of the opportunity. This initiative is needed, if not only to help address the climate change problem, but just to keep our air cleaner and reduce respiratory issues! |
- |
