FULL SENATE VOTE ON TOLL/FUNDING BILL DELAYED AGAIN TO ALLOW MORE TIME TO WORK OUT DETAILS

Hopefully the delay in the Senate vote is a sign that all parties are committed to working out a deal that finally ends this Sakonnet toll debacle, and also sets up Statewide infrastructure funding (link below).

We should continue to support our local Reps and Senators as they work to make this happen, and make clear to those not yet on board that this issue won't go away until the toll is gone.

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

http://www.providencejournal.com/breaking-news/content/20140514-r.i.-senate-house-working-on-proposal-to-finance-statewide-transportation-repairs.ece

SENATE POSTPONES VOTE ON TRANSPORTATION BILL TO WORK OUT AGREEMENT ON LANGUAGE

It's disappointing that the full Senate vote has been postponed, but hopefully the Senate, House and Governor's office can agree on language ASAP. It's time to put this toll issue behind us, and finally set up reliable infrastructure funding as well.

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

http://www.providencejournal.com/breaking-news/content/20140507-senate-expected-to-postpone-discussion-of-bill-to-remove-sakonnet-bridge-toll.ece

SENATE COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES BILL TO FUND INFRASTRUCTURE, ELIMINATE SAKONNET TOLLS

Great news (links below). It's just a first step, but the unanimous vote is encouraging as the bill moves forward. Our local Reps & Senators have clearly done an excellent job of crafting and promoting legislation that not only eliminates Sakonnet tolls, but addresses a Statewide need. 

Sakonnet Tolls are not gone yet. We saw last year how a seemingly done-deal can be undone at the last minute. It's crucial for all who care about eliminating these destructive tolls, and creating a reliable transportation-funding system, to make sure this bill makes it over the finish line.

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

http://www.heraldnews.com/article/20140506/NEWS/140507542

http://wpri.com/2014/05/06/senate-committee-votes-to-remove-sakonnet-tolls/

SENATE FINANCE CMTE HEARS TRANSPORTATION-FUNDING/SAKONNET-TOLL ELIMINATION BILL

Hopefully tomorrow's Senate Finance Cmte hearing is the start of the final act of this Sakonnet tolls drama (link below). If working to do the common-sense thing of eliminating these tolls also results in a sustainable Statewide system of transportation-infrastructure funding, then at least some good will have come out of this unnecessary, unfair, unwise ordeal.

Brian Medeiros
Tiverton, RI

http://www.eastbayri.com/news/senate-panel-considers-bridge-funding-bill-tuesday/