House Republican Press Release

 

 

 

June 11, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

 

Sen. Cappiello, Reps. D’Ameilo & Noujaim: General Assembly Needs to Stop ALL Future Gas Tax Increases

 

Legislators Meet Drivers at Waterbury Gas Station,

Present Plan to Cap Gross Receipts Tax and Eliminate Hidden Gas Tax Increases

 

Waterbury — Vowing to fight for cash strapped Connecticut motorists, State Sen. David J. Cappiello (R-Danbury) visited a Waterbury gas station this morning to talk to motorists about their efforts to block the scheduled July 1st increase in Connecticut’s gross receipts tax on gasoline.  He was joined by Waterbury State Reps. Selim Noujaim (R-74) and Tony D’Amelio (R-71).

“I proposed a bill to permanently stop this hidden tax from increasing the pain our constituents are feeling at the pump months ago,” said Sen. Cappiello.  “And while I would like to see a permanent repeal of this scheduled tax increase, I’m glad that the legislature is finally taking action to provide motorists relief.  With gas prices soaring and families unable to keep up with the almost daily increase at the pump, it is my hope that the legislature will repeal all future increases to the state’s gas taxes as well.”

Connecticut motorists will face an increase of the State’s gross receipts tax on gasoline from 7% to 7.5% on July 1^st if no action is taken in today’s special session.  With Connecticut residents facing the third highest gasoline prices in the nation, Cappiello said that the State must recognize the role it plays in driving prices.  “Oil prices are high but what makes our prices here in Connecticut among the highest in the nation is our gas taxes.

“The State needs to accept that it has a role to play in the financial strain residents feel each time they fill up their cars.  The gross receipts tax was put into place when gasoline was $1.50 per gallon, but prices have nearly tripled since then.  Allowing gas taxes to increase at a time when motorists can least afford it is nothing less than price gouging by the State.  We cannot allow that to happen,” said Rep. Noujaim.

“We fought hard during the 2008 regular session for relief at the pump for our constituents,” said Rep. D’Amelio, “I’m happy to see that the majority Democrats have finally agreed with us that eliminating a scheduled increase in one of Connecticut‘s gas taxes is important to middle class families who are struggling to pay skyrocketing gas prices while staying within their family budgets.”