By Bob Katzen

The House 134-20, approved a consolidated amendment adding $28.8 million in transportation funding to the $1.3 billion supplemental budget. Much of the funding was for transportation projects and programs proposed by individual representatives for their local districts.

“This consolidated amendment includes funding for multiple transportation-related initiatives across the state, providing cities and towns with the funding needed to carry out essential transportation infrastructure repairs and maintenance,” said Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading). “When the voters approved the [surtax] amendment in 2022, they were clear that these revenues should be spent only on transportation and education, and this consolidated amendment upholds the will of the voters.”

“We are seeing the necessity for overrides pop up all across the commonwealth and in multiple towns of the 6th Plymouth District, dominated mostly by school operational budgets,” said Rep. Ken Sweezey (R-Hanson). “I believe that the … funds would have been best used on education in the dire situation we find ourselves in rather than the disproportionate amount we funneled to transportation and the MBTA.”

(A “Yes” vote is for the $28.8 million. A “No” vote is against it.)

Rep. Christine Barber Yes Rep. Mike Connolly Yes Rep. Paul Donato Yes Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven Yes