Plan Aims to Provide Relief for Drivers Being Squeezed Out of State by Maura Healey
BOSTON, MA — Today, Marine Corps veteran, successful business leader, proven government reformer, and Republican candidate for governor Brian Shortsleeve announced a comprehensive plan to reduce the cost of owning and operating a vehicle in Massachusetts. Shortsleeve unveiled the proposal during the May 6, 2026 edition of the Howie Carr Show, arguing that families are being squeezed by rising fees, taxes, and transportation mandates.
Shortsleeve’s “Driving Down Costs” plan focuses on lowering direct taxes on drivers, reducing regulatory burdens, and improving efficiency across the state’s transportation system.
“Driving in Massachusetts has become too expensive, too complicated, and too unpredictable. Workers shouldn’t be treated like a revenue source every time they get behind the wheel. My plan gives drivers the break they need and is a major step toward restoring affordability in the Commonwealth,” said Shortsleeve.
Under the proposal, Shortsleeve outlined eight core reforms:
Driving Down Costs Plan
- Suspend the state gas tax
Provide immediate relief at the pump by suspending the 24-cent-per-gallon tax. - Eliminate annual car inspections
Reduce unnecessary annual compliance costs by eliminating inspections. This will also prevent the possibility of a mileage tax. - Extend vehicle registrations to five years
Cut repetitive fees and administrative burdens for drivers. - No mileage tax
Oppose efforts to track and tax drivers based on miles traveled. - No increase or tripling of the auto excise tax
Protect vehicle owners from efforts to dramatically raise the auto excise tax. - Raise the speed limit to 70 mph on more state highways
Improve traffic flow and reflect modern roadway conditions where appropriate. - No tolls on Cape Cod bridges
Oppose any attempt to impose tolls on new bridge infrastructure. - No congestion pricing in Massachusetts
Reject policies that add fees for workers entering high-traffic areas.
Shortsleeve said the plan addresses both immediate cost pressures and long-term structural burdens facing Massachusetts drivers.
“Whether it’s commuting to work, taking kids to school, or running a small business, transportation is essential. It should not be treated like an ATM for Beacon Hill,” said Shortsleeve. “We need a system that respects that reality instead of punishing it.”
“It’s time to end our state’s reputation as Taxachusetts. While Maura Healey wants to tax people out of their cars, I want them to have the freedom of mobility,” said Shortsleeve. “If we want people to stay here, raise families here, and build businesses here, we need to make Massachusetts affordable again, and it starts with driving costs.”