OK Folks, the time to get OUTRAGED is NOW!
The Massachusetts Motorcycle Association (MMA) has already reported the fact that YOUR Motorcycle Safety Fund, initially underfunded by $174,472 was recently raided of an additional $12,157.
The MMA has now learned that another $50,000 has just been stolen from your safety fund. This puts the fund at an approximate 60% reduction, this fiscal year alone. We don't believe any other line item in the budget has received as big a cut: especially for a fund that costs the taxpayers nothing.
Of an estimated 6.5 Million people (source: 2008 Census Bureau) in Massachusetts, there are only 182,215 in the state who paid into this fund: you, me, and your riding buddies. That’s it! Yet the current administration has seen fit to take our money and give it to the “General Fund” for who knows what purposes!
The MMA has been told that this latest cut originated at the newly formed MASSDOT, whose Secretary of Transportation is Jeffrey Mullan. Will you join us and voice your complaint to Mr. Mullan, Governor Deval Patrick, RMV Registrar Rachael Kaprielian, Senate President Therese Murray, and House Speaker Robert DeLeo?
Together, we believe our collective voices would be a force to be reckoned with. Be respectful in your communications but, above all, be heard:
Department of Transportation
10 Park Plaza, Suite 3170
Boston, MA 02116
617-973-7000
Attn: Secretary of Transportation Mullan
Massachusetts State House
Office of the Governor
Room 280
Boston, MA 02133
Attn: Governor Patrick
Massachusetts State House
Room 330
Boston, MA 02133
Attn: Senate President Murray
Massachusetts State House
Room 356
Boston, MA 02133
Attn: House Speaker DeLeo
Registry of Motor Vehicles
General Mail
Box 55889
Boston, MA 02205-5889
Attn: Registrar Kaprielian
SAMPLE TEXT:
The Massachusetts Motorcycle Association (MMA) has previously contacted you with detailed information outlining how the Motorcycle Safety Fund once again raided of funds destined for Public Safety. I’m writing to share my own disappointment on this matter.
Though the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) reported 182,215 registered motorcycles in September 2009, the Motorcycle Safety Fund, which is supposed to receive $2 from every registration, already underfunded by 48%, has just seen an additional $12,157 dollars removed from it. Since 1987, this fund has been underfunded by an average of 30.2% with 2009 already showing a whopping 52% deficit!
When the Motorcycle Safety Fund was first created by the Massachusetts Legislature in 1987, it was intended to be used specifically for Safety and Education Programs for Motorcycles. The Motorcyclists of Massachusetts are the sole contributors to this Safety Fund: no other Taxpayer from the Commonwealth contributes in any way.
As a Motorcyclist who contributes to this fund, as a Taxpayer, and as a constituent, I am horrified that these funds are permitted to be raided in this fashion. I ask that you restore these funds and assure that the Massachusetts General Law is permanently upheld with regard to this matter.
Sincerely,
<signature>
Member, Massachusetts Motorcycle Association
END OF SAMPLE TEXT
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact us at: LegislativeDirector@MassMotorcycle.org. Please reply back indicating your support and be sure to also let us know if you receive a response.