Senate Rejects Patrick's Proposed Change To Transportation Bill

The state Senate has joined the House in rejecting a change proposed by Gov. Deval Patrick in a transportation financing bill, setting the stage for a likely veto by the governor.

The Senate voted 29-9 to approve an amendment that makes technical changes. But it doesn't include Patrick's proposal for a gasoline tax increase to offset the loss of revenue if tolls on the western portion of the Massachusetts Turnpike come down in 2017.

Patrick reiterated Thursday he would veto the bill if it returns to his desk without that provision.

But the margins in both the House and Senate would be enough to override a veto.

The bill calls for about $500 million in new taxes, including a 3-cent increase in the gas tax and a $1 per pack increase in the cigarette tax.