Massachusetts Motorcycle Fund is Raided yet again

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

(Salem, MA)   The Massachusetts Motorcycle Association (MMA) is disappointed to see the Motorcycle Safety Fund (Budget Detail 8400-0016) once again raided of funds destined for Public Safety.   Though the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) reported 182,215 registered motorcycles in September 2009, this safety fund, already underfunded by 48%, has just seen an additional $12,157 dollars removed from it.   (source: Budget Detail 8400-0016-Motorcycle Safety Program: http://www.mass.gov/bb/gaa/fy2010/app_10/act_10/ha84000016.htm)

The MMA notes that while this motorcycle safety fund has seen $186,629 (52%) of money already collected from motorcyclists in 2009 diverted elsewhere, the RMV’s own Wages & Salaries have risen 20% over the last 2 years while the RMV’s Employee Benefits saw a 13% increase for the same period.   (source: RMV Budget Summary, Historical Spending Categories: http://www.mass.gov/bb/gaa/fy2010/app_10/dpt_10/hormv.htm)

MMA’s Legislative Director Rick Gleason commented, “Once again, the motorcyclists in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts see their Motorcycle Safety Fund decimated.”   Noting that the current administration has now taken 52% of the funds destined for motorcycle safety & awareness programs, Gleason explains, “This is not tax-payer money readily available for the taking: instead, this self-funded account is paid into solely by motorcycle riders in Massachusetts, yet the current administration once again victimizes motorcycle riders by appropriating 52% of the money collected.”

According to current M.G.L. Chapter 90, Section 34, Paragraph (i), “$2.00 from every annual motorcycle registration fee collected from the motorcyclist by the Registry of Motor Vehicles” are supposed to be used “solely for the purpose of promoting and advancing motorcycle safety” & awareness.  This fund was created specifically by earmarking money from every Annual Motorcycle Registration and should not be reduced or eliminated!

The chart below shows the actual funds collected from Massachusetts motorcycle riders versus the amount of money annually credited to the Safety Fund.   Please note that EVERY YEAR except for 2003, this Safety Fund was underfunded by an average of 30.2% with 2009 already showing a whopping 52% deficit: 

The MMA has filed legislation this session that includes S.1934 (Danny’s Bill) and S.1894 (Ryan’s Bill).   Danny’s Bill (named after Danny Wood from Saugus, MA) and Ryan’s Bill (named after Ryan Orcutt from Brockton, MA) both rely on the Motorcycle Safety Fund as the key component to increase motorcycle safety initiatives.

Danny’s Bill (S.1934) seeks to increase the annual motorcycle registration fee from $2.00 to $5.00 and have these funds held into a more accountable fund.   Ryan’s Bill (S.1894) seeks to require the junior motorcycle operator (16-18 year olds) successfully complete formal motorcycle rider training and includes a component whereby the safety fund reimburses the junior rider a portion of the training fees.   Both bills already have broad public and legislative support and are currently sitting with the Joint Committee on Transportation where they have been since Public Hearings on October 6th, 2009.

MMA Chairman Dave Condon emphasizes, “The MMA is very concerned that the collected funds be used for their intended purpose.   This change from $2 to $5 also requires that the funds be deposited into a Registry retained revenue account solely for the purpose of promoting and advancing motorcycle safety.”   Condon further states, “No other group of motorists in this state takes safety as seriously as motorcyclists, as evidenced by their willingness to pay into their own safety fund.”

With annual motorcycle registrations up for renewal in another month or so, Massachusetts motorcyclists will once again be forced to pay into a safety fund that seems to be more of a bail-out fund for other interests.

The MMA has contacted the Governor’s Office to express its concern and has formally requested a meeting to discuss the "missing safety funds."   Gleason adds, “The Motorcyclists of Massachusetts are the sole contributors to this Safety Fund: no other Taxpayer from the Commonwealth contributes in any way.   To reduce these Public Safety Funds may reduce the number of available Motorcycle Safety Classes contributing to increased motorcycle fatalities over time.   This is not something the MMA wishes to see.”

For additional information, please contact LegislativeDirector@MassMotorcycle.org or Chairman@MassMotorcycle.org or by writing MMA, PO Box 378, Brimfield, MA   01010.