Page 10 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020 New Study: TCI costs higher than initially reported; cost of diesel finally disclosed T he Fiscal Alliance Foundation (the Foundation) recently announced the results of a study on the costs associated with implementation of the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) in Massachusetts. TCI is an eff ort by the administration of Governor Charlie Baker to form a regional gas and diesel tax increase with neighboring states. Thus far, leaders from all surrounding New England states have cast doubts as to their participation, with New Hampshire already withdrawn from the agreement outright. Virginia is the southernmost state, and its leaders indicated the state will not join in 2020. The study was commissioned by the Foundation and conducted by the Beacon Hill Institute (BHI). The Foundation is an IRS-determined 501(c)3 nonpartisan, nonprofi t organization, and its chairwoman is Attorney Danielle Webb. Its website is www.FiscalAllianceFoundation.org. TCI claims the cost of gasoline fuel will increase by 17 cents per gallon and will result in a 25 percent reduction in CO2 emissions. The 25 percent reduction is derived by a 19 percent reduction due to the current policies in place without implementing TCI, and by adding TCI an additional six percent could be achieved under the best-case scenario. Under this TCI scenario, the increase to the cost of diesel fuel is not disclosed. The BHI model found that if TCI’s goal is to hit a 25 percent reduction, the cost of gasoline fuel would increase by 26 cents per gallon and the cost of diesel fuel would increase by 52 cents per gallon. The study also found that 9,667 private sector jobs would be lost in Massachusetts and every family would be faced with a $738 increase in taxes. The Global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reductions would not make an impact on the environment. The TCI 25 percent reduction in 2022 would count for 0.00090 percent reduction, and by 2026 it would only be 0.00083 percent. “What the study found here is truly astounding. The cost associated with TCI is magnitudes larger than previously reported. For the fi rst time, we now know how many private sector jobs would be lost, and the increase in taxes it would cost every Massachusetts family,” said Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance (MassFiscal) Spokesperson/Board Member Paul Craney. “The most appalling fact that’s been missing by TCI is the price on diesel costs. Now we know a price and it will come with a high cost, which will negatively impact commerce and the transportation of almost all goods in Massachusetts. This would have a signifi cant impact for consumers with virtually no environmental benefi t,” said Craney. ~ LETTER TO THE EDITOR ~ Coronavirus could limit number of blood donors Dear Editor: While public health offi cials work to limit the spread of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), I’m writing about another potential public health issue – the availability of our blood supply for patients. Right now, healthy blood donors are urged to schedule an appointment to give in the days and weeks ahead. What does blood donation have to do with COVID-19? As concerns rise, there may be fewer people eligible to give blood. Giving blood is a safe process and your donation will help keep the blood supply stable during this challenging time. It is critical that healthy donors continue giving to preHEALTH | FROM PAGE 5 “Ten days makes it an urgent matter; if we extend it, it becomes not as urgent,” he said. Brown also told the woman that if the she were forced to leave the house, he would tap into his connections with social services agencies that relocate people and do his best to make sure she has a roof over her head and that her son Aluminum Everett er 10 Everett Ave., Everett 617-389-3839 Owned & operated by the Conti family since 1958 • 62 Years! “Same name, phone number & address for over half a century. We must be doing something right!” Owned & operated by the Conti family since 1958 • 57 Years! family since 1958 • 60 •Vinyl Siding •Carpentry Work •Decks •Vinyl Siding •Free Estimates •Fully Licensed •Roofng •Free Estimates •Carpentry Work •Fully Licensed •Decks •Roo ng n • Fully Insured •• Replacement Windows Replacement Windows www.everettaluminum.com g Now’s the time to schedule those home improvement projects you’ve been dreaming about all winter! Everett Aluminum vent shortages. Please postpone your donation for 28 days following travel to China and its special administrative regions, Hong Kong and Macau, and if you’ve been diagnosed with or have had contact with anyone with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19. If this does not affect you – and you are feeling healthy – please come in to give blood as soon as you can. Sincerely, Pampee P. Young, M.D., Ph.D. Chief Medical Offi cer American Red Cross stays in school. “I think there is a better place for you to be than this property,” he told her. Board of Health Member Craig Castanza said it is a tough decision, but ultimately he and fellow Board Members Nezha Louaddi and Nathalee Kong granted Brown’s request and issued a fi nding that the property is dangerous and must be vacated in 10 days. Spring!
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