FUNDING: Mass. lawmakers jam transportation bond bill with earmarks

July 24, 2012

Lawmakers on Capitol Hill might have eliminated earmarks from MAP-21, but in Massachusetts the practice is making a comeback.

 

Both the state House and Senate have plastered a $1.39 billion transportation bond bill with earmarks in an effort to force Gov. Deval Patrick to spend a tight budget on targeted local projects instead of those which are more pressing.

 

Lawmakers on Capitol Hill might have eliminated earmarks from MAP-21, but in Massachusetts the practice is making a comeback.

Both the state House and Senate have plastered a $1.39 billion transportation bond bill with earmarks in an effort to force Gov. Deval Patrick to spend a tight budget on targeted local projects instead of those which are more pressing.

Just a few years ago earmarks were frowned upon in Massachusetts, but the tactic appears to be back in style. Many of the earmarks have been placed by committees, which supposedly prevents them from being added on the House or Senate floor, saving a considerable amount of time.

House Speaker Robert DeLeo also said Patrick has the authority to spend, or not to spend, borrowed money on projects. So if the governor objects to a particular earmark, the project is simply shelved.

“I think this gives us the ability to just set forth our desires,” DeLeo told the Boston Globe. “It ultimately will still fall upon the governor to make the decision what projects get done or not done. This just sets forth the will of the individual members in terms of what projects they would like to get.”

Sponsored Recommendations

The Science Behind Sustainable Concrete Sealing Solutions

Extend the lifespan and durability of any concrete. PoreShield is a USDA BioPreferred product and is approved for residential, commercial, and industrial use. It works great above...

Powerful Concrete Protection For ANY Application

PoreShield protects concrete surfaces from water, deicing salts, oil and grease stains, and weather extremes. It's just as effective on major interstates as it is on backyard ...

Concrete Protection That’s Easy on the Environment and Tough to Beat

PoreShield's concrete penetration capabilities go just as deep as our American roots. PoreShield is a plant-based, eco-friendly alternative to solvent-based concrete sealers.

Proven Concrete Protection That’s Safe & Sustainable

Real-life DOT field tests and university researchers have found that PoreShieldTM lasts for 10+ years and extends the life of concrete.