THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, March 20, 2020 Page 17 BEACON | FROM PAGE 16 happening on Beacon Hill, in the blood sport of Bay State politics, in newsrooms across the state and the nation, and in the state’s court system. For more information and to get your free subscription go to: www.massterlist.com/subscribe THE HOUSE AND SENATE. Beacon Hill Roll Call records votes of local representatives from recent debate on transportation funding. There were no roll calls in the House Senate last week. TAX ON ROLLING STOCK (H 4508) House 13-141, rejected an amendment that would strike a section of the bill that would exempt from the current sales and use tax “rolling stock” which includes trucks, tractors and trailers used by common carriers to transport goods in interstate commerce. These vehicles were exempt from these taxes until 1996 when the Legislature removed the exemption and started taxing them again. Rep. Tami Gouveia (D-Acton), the sponsor of the amendment, did not respond to repeated attempts by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking her to explain why she proposed keeping the tax on rolling stock. “The repeal of the rolling stock exemption in 1996 created negative repercussions for the interstate trucking industry that are still being felt today,” said Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading) who favors the tax exemption. “Changing these tax policies will allow Massachusetts to attract and retain a significant number of good-paying jobs in this industry while encouraging more interstate trade by local companies. An exemption would also provide important environmental benefits by encouraging companies to invest in cleaner vehicles with more fuel efficiency and higher emissions standards, resulting in improved air quality throughout the commonwealth.” (The roll call is on “striking the tax exemption.” Therefore a “Yes” vote is for the sales and use tax on rolling stock. A “No” vote is against the tax.) Rep. Paul Donato No Rep. Steven Ultrino No STUDY RAISED PLATFORMS ON THE T (H 4506) House 148-5 approved an amendment directing the MBTA to conduct a financial impact study by December 31, 2020 on the feasibility of all platforms on commuter rail stops converting to fully raised platforms with handicap access at every train door. Amendment supporters said this no-cost study is important to show that the T should provide handicapped accessibility on all doors for all passengers. They noted that with a raised platform, people do not stop and wait to climb stairs and argued that accordBEACON | SEE PAGE 22 Space for Lease 3 Large Rooms, each with Large Walk-in Storage Area. or Aerobics Studio. Located at Route 1 South at Walnut Street. Rollerworld Plaza, Route 1 South, 425 Broadway, Saugus. Call Michelle at: 781-233-9507 WE WORK FOR YOU! * Have your car repaired by Real Manufacturer Certiified Technicians * An I-CAR GOLD CLASS SHOP Highest Certificate in the Repair Industry * Premier Insurance Co. Collision Repair Shop for Geico, Liberty Mutual, Metlife, Progressive and more! * Over 30 Years of putting families back on the Road Safe & Fast! * ATLAS Stands Behind All Repairs with a Limited Lifetime Warranty 1605 North Shore Road, Revere * 781-284-1200 Visit us at: www.AtlasAutobody.com or call (781) 284-1200 to schedule your appointment today!
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