Sciortino delivers $100,000 for SCM Transportation among budget wins
Medford Transcript
May 05, 2008
Medford - Wrapping up an active week of budget debate, Rep. Carl Sciortino, D-Medford, today announced his success in securing funds for seniors and fighting for property tax relief in Medford.
One of Sciortino's amendments was successful in securing $100,000 for SCM Transportation, an organization that provides free and reduced cost transportation services to elderly and disabled residents of Medford.
"SCM provides a vital service for our community" said Sciortino. "I filed this amendment because I'm committed to the seniors in my district."
SCM's services include rides for those needing to get to doctor's appointments, grocery stores, adult day care, and other destinations. The organization provides more than 85,000 one-way trips monthly to a clientele of over 3,000 residents.
Faced with skyrocketing fuel prices, SCM Transportation has had difficulty maintaining their current level of operations, forcing the organization to consider either cutting back services or charging their riders a fee.
Sciortino also passed an amendment to the budget addressing the issue of property tax collections on telecom company equipment. Telecom companies have not paid property taxes on poles and other equipment since 1915 due to an exemption meant to encourage expansion of the then-young industry.
"This is an outdated exemption that serves no purpose other than to shift the property tax burden to homeowners and small businesses," said Sciortino. "Repealing this exemption would bring over $300,000 for Medford."
Sciortino's amendment passed after intense debate on the House floor. It creates a legislative commission to review the telecom property tax exemption and craft legislation to fix it. It is expected that after the review is completed the matter will be taken up by the House later this spring.
At the end of the week, Sciortino cited his successes fighting for the priorities of his district.
"Being able to serve the needs of my constituents is the most rewarding part of representing our community," he said.