Providence, RI- The StopTollsRI.com coalition will hold a joint press conference and rally with the Republican Policy Group (RPG) at the State House this Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at 3:00 p.m., in opposition to any and all toll proposals.The question is not whether Rhode Island bridges need to be repaired but how to pay for it. Both groups are opposed to Raimondo’s flawed truck toll plan and ANY plan involving tolls, recognizing it as a grievous assault on RI’s businesses and residents. The Republican Policy Group has proposed a “pay-as-you-go” plan that provides more funding for construction and repair than the Governor’s plan does - $875 million vs the Governor’s $620 million.
The RPG is not the only voice proposing “pay/go”. The Rhode Island Center for Freedom and Prosperity, along with its introduction of a public/private partnership, proposes a “pay/go” plan as well. StopTollsRI.com supports the “pay/go” plan as a better alternative to tolls, specifically because it will not hurt any particular industry, it will not increase the cost of every product purchased in the state and it provides more money for bridge repair.
Many businesses testified last year that RI would experience numerous job losses in the trucking industry if truck toll legislation passed. In a move that is expected to repeat itself if tolls get closer to a reality, UPS announced last week that they were pulling 10 tractor trailer trucks, along with the associated jobs, out of RI and moving them to Massachusetts.
“The trucking industry told leadership that there would be job losses. This is just the first of many losses that are expected to occur if the Governor’s toll legislation passes,” said StopTollsRI spokesman Tony Viveiros. Mr. Viveiros continued, “When we fought against the Sakonnet Toll, it was the same situation. The General Assembly ignored the negative financial impact of tolls on the local and state economy. They are doing the same thing here. UPS is proving that STOP was right."
Monique Chartier, spokesperson for StopTollsRI.com, pointed out, “Outrage over tolling in this state is a non-partisan issue. It makes much more sense to prioritize RI’s nearly $9 billion budget. Our budget should reflect the most important spending and you don’t get much more important than safeguarding our bridges.” Chartier continued, “Our coalition is deeply concerned about the many flaws in the Governor’s toll plan but of equal concern is the lack of transparency. The Governor provided maps from 1882 last week in response to an APRA request for gantry locations. This highlights just how disingenuous this administration is about a public legislative process.”
StopTollsRI.com member Larry Fitzmorris emphasized, “This press conference is to let our elected officials know that voters understand how RI government works - it will be Truck Tolls Today, Cars Tomorrow."
StopTollsRI.com is a coalition of citizen groups opposing not just the Governor’s Truck-Toll plan, but ANY toll proposal. The public is also encouraged to take action to oppose tolls at www.StopTollsRI.com.
Member Organizations:
Concerned Island Citizens
The Gaspee Project Little Compton Taxpayers North Kingstown Taxpayers Ocean State Taxpayers in Action (OSTPA) Portsmouth Concerned Citizens RI Taxpayers Sakonnet Toll Opposition Platform (STOP)
Supporting Organizations:
Rhode Island Center for Freedom & Prosperity
WatchdogRI.org The Coalition Talk Radio DontToll.com |
No comments:
Post a Comment