House Republican Press Release

June 5, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Mike Alberts Urges Action to Lower Connecticut’s Highest in the Nation Gas Taxes

State Rep. Mike Alberts, R-50, Brooklyn, Eastford, Hampton, Pomfret and Woodstock, said the state legislature can still act to lower Connecticut’s highest in the nation gas taxes that contribute to making Connecticut’s gasoline prices the highest in the nation.

Connecticut motor fuels taxes are set to increase again as scheduled on July 1.

The average price of gasoline in Connecticut has risen above $4.25, while gasoline across the border in Massachusetts and Rhode Island recently has been as low as $3.90 per gallon.

“High gasoline tax rates mean more than a loss of money to consumers’ wallets,” Rep. Albert said. “People in my district are going to Massachusetts and Rode Island to fill up with gas. While they are there, they are buying other lower-taxed items such as liquor and non-perishables. Who loses? The small business owners in my district.”

“Some people have argued that any reduction in gas tax rates would be insignificant,” said Rep. Alberts. “I argue that any reduction in gas tax rates puts more money in the hands of people who need it, especially the poor who are hardest hit by rising energy costs.”

“This is the number one issue where people are asking me to help find a solution,” Rep. Alberts added. “We can, and should, address this issue immediately.”

Connecticut fuel taxes are scheduled to rise as follows:

• Two state taxes on gasoline combined go from about 51 cents a gallon to about 54 cents a gallon (on top of 18.4 cents federal gasoline tax.)
• A state tax on diesel fuel goes from 37 cents a gallon to 44.7 cents a gallon (on top of 24.4 cents federal diesel tax).

Rep. Alberts has proposed freezing Connecticut’s gasoline taxes so that an increase would not take effect, and therefore provide some measure of relief to hard working middle class families.

“Some people have no choice but to drive to work,” said Rep. Alberts. “Connecticut does not have to have the highest taxes in the nation. The legislature can take action to make Connecticut more affordable so more people will want to live, work and retire here.”

Rep. Alberts has supported an alternative state budget that meets the needs of the state’s citizens while holding down taxes. The majority in the legislature opposed this budget alternative.

Rep. Alberts serves the 50^th Assembly District of Brooklyn, Eastford, Hampton, Pomfret and Woodstock in the state House of Representatives.