Tibbits-Nutt Exit is “Long Overdue”
The Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance today responded to news that Secretary of Transportation Monica Tibbits-Nutt is parting ways with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). Tibbits-Nutt, who was appointed by Governor Maura Healey in November 2023, oversaw the state’s four transportation divisions and served on both the MBTA and Massport boards.
“This resignation is long overdue. From the start, Secretary Tibbits-Nutt’s conduct and policies revealed a deep hostility toward taxpayers and ordinary commuters. Her departure is a necessary first step if the Healey administration has any interest in restoring accountability at MassDOT,” said Paul Diego Craney, Executive Director for the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance.
MassFiscal first called for Tibbits-Nutt’s removal in April 2024 following a public tirade in which she vowed to “use policy as a weapon” and “going after everyone who has money.” Speaking before a special interest group, she bragged about following a “New York playbook” to raise taxes and fees on drivers, delivery services, and payroll taxes, and even mocked Massachusetts residents for their vehicle choices and local planning decisions.
“Her comments were a disgrace. No public official should ever speak about taxpayers as targets. We said then that she should be removed immediately, and time has proven us right,” said Craney.
Earlier this year, Tibbits-Nutt was again embroiled in controversy over the collapse of a shady service plaza deal, in which her agency pushed a 35-year contract that would have shortchanged taxpayers by nearly $900 million. MassDOT attempted to award the contract to Applegreen, a politically connected bidder, despite independent analysis showing a rival proposal would have delivered far more revenue to the Commonwealth. After Applegreen abruptly withdrew, the entire process fell apart, confirming what MassFiscal had warned all along. The organization again called for her resignation in the wake of this, only 22 days ago, citing an alarming lack of transparency, sound judgment, and respect for taxpayers.
“Instead of focusing on fixing the MBTA or maintaining our highways, she spent her tenure pushing climate mandates, congestion taxes, higher fees, and engaging in the worst types of Beacon Hill backroom chicanery imaginable. Massachusetts drivers and taxpayers have paid the price for that arrogance,” noted Craney.
“The next Secretary must be someone who respects the people who pay the bills, not someone who sees policy as a weapon against them. The Governor’s departing Secretary is not the only Secretary remaining in the Administration who wishes to inflict economic harm to the people of Massachusetts in order to fulfil a worthless climate mandate. MassFiscal will continue its tenacity toward these remaining Secretaries in the Healey Administration until they are all replaced by people who respect the taxpayers, are focused on efficiency, transparency, and results, not rigid climate ideology,” closed Craney.