House Republican Press Release
May 23, 2007
Press Office: 860-240-8700
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Reps D’Amelio, Noujaim: House Democrats kill Republican Gas Tax Holiday Measure |
Proposal would Have Suspended Gasoline Tax from Memorial Day to Labor Day
The state House of Representatives’ majority Democrats have used a parliamentary maneuver to kill a measure offered by House Republicans that would have suspended collection of the state’s 25 cent per gallon gasoline tax between Memorial Day and Labor Day, state Representatives Selim Noujaim and Anthony D’Amelio said today.
House Republicans offered an amendment today that would have given the people of Connecticut a three-month Gas Tax Holiday for the peak summer driving season. The plan was originally proposed by House Republicans May 14th. The lost revenues would have been made up from the projected $846 million state budget surplus, the legislators said.
“Waterbury residents who have plans for vacations this summer that involve significant driving distances will be disappointed to learn that the majority party in the state House killed our proposal for a Gas Tax Holiday that would have saved Connecticut residents a total of $120 million,” said Representative Noujaim, R-74th District. “I urge everyone who supports our proposal to contact their state legislators and ask them to vote for it if it comes up for reconsideration before the 2007 legislative session ends.”
“It’s a shame the Democrat leadership used a procedural motion to prevent our Gas Tax Holiday measure from being considered today,” said Representative D’Amelio, R-71st District. “Our proposal has widespread support among Waterbury residents and from people throughout our state. I believe that if given a chance to vote on our amendment, many rank and file Democratic legislators would have voted for it. It’s my hope the majority party’s leaders reconsider their opposition to our proposal to suspend the gas tax this summer. Most people will be going on vacation soon and would have appreciated saving $3.00 to $5.00 every time they filled their car, SUV or pickup truck’s gas tanks.”