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Lawmakers Split over Pike Rescue

A more limited plan for refinancing Turnpike debt is moving through both chambers, but some lawmakers say it still lets the authority off the hook.

WBUR's Martha Bebinger has more.

BEBINGER: The Senate has decided to back a third of the Turnpike's debt, rather than the entire $2.3 billion. Supporters say they need to protect tollpayers now, and will take on larger financing and reform issues next year. But Senator Mark Montigny is disappointed the state is shoring up what he calls a broken authority.

MONTIGNY: Let's not give away the gold standard until we find a way to completely blow up the culture at the Pike, and that might mean the whole structure at the Pike.

BEBINGER: The House is expected to pass the Senate's refinancing plan, although it initially supported backing the total Pike debt.

This program aired on July 31, 2008. The audio for this program is not available.

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