House Republican Press Release

May 25, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

DEMOCRATS BLOCK ATTEMPTS TO LOWER GAS PRICES

Legislation Backed By Area GOP Reps Would Cut Gas Tax for Summer Months

HARTFORD – On Wednesday, May 23 and Thursday, May 24, majority party leaders in the State House of Representatives blocked legislation supported by State Reps. David Scribner (R-107), Janice Giegler (R-138), and Mary Ann Carson (R-108) that would have placed a moratorium on the state gasoline tax from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Removing the 25 cent per gallon tax is designed to give motorists relief at the pumps for the peak summer driving season. Republicans proposed the plan May 14, noting it can easily be paid for out of the state’s $846 million budget surplus.

Republicans in the House of Representatives prepared an amendment to a bill scheduled to be debated during today’s legislative session. Rather than call the bill for debate, Democrat leaders used a procedural maneuver (passing temporarily) to shelve the proposal. The following day, Democrat leaders ruled against bringing a similar amendment to legislation before the House of Representatives.

It is estimated that the tax cuts would save drivers about $40 million per month, or a little more than $120 million for the duration of the summer driving period. Governor M. Jodi Rell also supported the idea. She has repeatedly said that if the legislature does not go along, she and her fellow Republicans will use gas tax proposal in the budget negotiations that have just begun. The gas tax moratorium would not divert any funds from any transportation program.

“The continued soaring gas prices are having a detrimental impact on every individual and business in our state,” said Rep. Scribner. “My preference would be to control the cost of fuel but we cannot do that at the state level. This effort allows us to use a portion of unanticipated surplus to provide some meaningful temporary relief and I believe under present circumstances, it is logical to accomplish that.”

“This should not be a partisan issue because the gas tax impacts all of our constituents,” said Rep. Giegler. “The rising cost of so many necessities is affected by the high price of gas. It is time for the Legislature to take action.”

“Since we first announced this proposal, I’ve heard from many constituents who are interested in how it would work,’ said Rep. Carson. “I’m very disappointed we did not have an opportunity to get that information out through a debate today.”