COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
MASSACHUSETTS SENATE
STATE HOUSE, BOSTON 02133-1053
Senator Joan B. Lovely
State Senator
2nd Essex District
Phone: (617) 722-1410
Email: joan.lovely@masenate.gov
PRESS RELEASE
Saturday, April 13, 2013
IN MAIDEN SPEECH, SENATOR LOVELY CO-SPONSORS SUCCESSFUL MEASURE TO PREVENT RATE INCREASES AT EXISTING TOLLS
(Boston) Today Senator Joan Lovely delivered her maiden speech in the Massachusetts Senate during debate on proposed transportation legislation. Senator Lovely focused her remarks in support of an amendment that she co-sponsored that prohibits the Department of Transportation from increasing rates at existing tolls as a means to reach revenue benchmarks set forth in the legislation. The amendment was passed by the Senate.
After thanking the Senate President and other colleagues for their support during her transition into office, Senator Lovely directly addressed the issue of transportation reform. She stated, “I come to this body with high hopes for the future of our state. Without question, ensuring a quality, sustainable transportation system is essential for that future.” However, after noting the possibility of toll hikes, Senator Lovely stressed the importance of the tolling amendment, which was authored by Senator Karen Spilka (D-Ashland).
“I support this measure because I believe that our reforms are stronger when we share the responsibility to pay for them,” said Senator Lovely, noting that it would be unfair to expect toll payers to pay even more for the transportation package. “If every driver in the Commonwealth has to pay the gas tax, then why are only some required to pay tolls?”
Senator Lovely closed her maiden speech by referring to her constituents. Those who live in the 2nd Essex District, she declared, “deserve a representative here in the Senate who looks out for their interests as well as the interests of the Commonwealth as a whole. My predecessor, Senate Majority Leader Fred Berry, was that kind of representative, and I hope to be as well.” Senator Lovely’s speech was followed by a standing ovation by those gathered in the chamber.
The Senate passed the transportation bill in an evening vote, with Senator Lovely voting in the affirmative. The bill now proceeds back to the House for concurrence on amendments.
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