House Republican Press Release

May 30, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

DEMOCRATS VOTE DOWN REPUBLICAN GAS TAX CUT;

USE ‘GIMMICK’ BILL TO RAISE TAXES

HARTFORD – House Democrats today rejected the Republican plan to immediately cut gas prices by 25 cents per gallon when they voted down a three-month Gas Tax Holiday, first proposed May 14, and then approved legislation to raise sales and income taxes to pay for $1 billion in new spending.

Everything from gasoline to clothing, Internet purchases and the price of a funeral will cost more under the Democratic plan. The Republican tax relief amendment was defeated on strict party lines 102 to 44 before 7 p.m. Republicans stressed there is still no spending proposal in sight, just a tax plan. 

House Republican Leader Lawrence F. Cafero Jr., of Norwalk said when the Democrats faced a straight up-or-down vote to cut gas taxes, all 102 House members voted “no.’’ Then they approved a huge tax package increase that will further hurt consumers and taxpayers. Cafero said they were never serious about the gas tax but are committed to raising all other taxes. 

“They resorted to gimmicks to get a vote on the gasoline tax and their own tax increases for political purposes and never intend to give motorists any relief,’’ Cafero said.

“The Democrats value political shell games over good public policy. In the end, Republicans rejected their tax increases on everyone in Connecticut no matter how much they earn,’’ Cafero said. House Republicans in April offered a No Tax Increase budget that meets state needs. 

Because the Senate had already approved a tax bill that did not include a gas tax component both measures appear doomed because the Democrats demonstrated they cannot override a gubernatorial veto, Cafero said.

“With all that we could be doing for the people of Connecticut because of our $850 million budget surplus– passing a comprehensive energy plan, keeping down taxes, or providing for our seniors with pension tax relief – the Democrats wasted precious time passing legislation they know is doomed,’’ Cafero said. The legislative session expires June 6.

The Democrats for two weeks dismissed the Republican gas tax cut as meaningless but failed to put forth any alternative to the $127 millions savings for motorists. When they finally realized how angry motorists are, the Democrats put the tax cut into a bill that is headed for failure