Lenox State Rep. Proposes Option For Local Gas Tax
BOSTON (CBS) – A Massachusetts lawmaker's proposal would allow cities and towns to levy a gas tax at the local level.
William "Smitty" Pignatelli, a Democratic state representative from Lenox, is proposing that cities and towns should be able to impose a gas tax of up to three cents per gallon on top of what the state requires.
Pignatelli claims the local tax would allow officials to raise money for infrastructure improvements.
"Let's give them a tool in their own toolbox," he told WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Karen Twomey Wednesday.
Though Pignatelli said he knows taxes are not popular, he added that there are several examples of similar options that are already in place.
Pignatelli pointed out a hotel-motel local tax option, local option meals taxes and the Community Preservation Act. He says all three are similar to his proposed local gas tax option.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Karen Twomey reports