House Republican Press Release

September 13, 2005

Press Office: 860-240-8700

DelGobbo Urges: Cut Gas Tax Now

Naugatuck lawmaker says legislators need less talk, more action on gasoline prices

State Rep. Kevin M. DelGobbo, R-70, Naugatuck, today called on fellow legislators to suspend the state petroleum gross-receipts tax that is reaping a $100-million windfall from Connecticut motorists due to spiraling gasoline prices.

DelGobbo noted Connecticut’s gasoline taxes are among the highest in the nation. The legislature has authorized a 26 cents a gallon tax at the pump, plus a 5.8 percent gross earnings tax at the wholesale level.

Rep. DelGobbo proposed suspending the 5.8 percent tax, and noted other states have temporarily reduced gas taxes. “We should call ourselves into special session and get this done for the motorists of Connecticut,” he said.

“It’s time for less talk and more action about helping consumers deal with high gas prices,” said Rep. DelGobbo. “The one thing state lawmakers can do right now is stop adding to the pain of high gas prices by rolling back the tax they dramatically increased this year.”

Rep. DelGobbo, ranking member of the legislature’s Energy and Technology committee, participated in an informational hearing today in Hartford on gasoline prices. He said, “A number of colleagues want to question who caused the oil price spike. At the same time, they should immediately stop the state tax grab on motorists’ wallets.”

“At the very least, we should suspend the gross receipts portion of the gas tax that adds 16 cents to a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline,” said Rep. DelGobbo.

Rep. DelGobbo explained that the Democratic-controlled House and Senate added to oil prices that drivers pay, by increasing the gross receipts tax collected at the wholesale level.

The gross receipts tax, collected as a percentage of petroleum prices, rises with the price of gasoline and other petroleum products, and is projected to collect $100-million more in the fiscal year that runs to next June 30.

“As motorists pay more, the legislature adds to that burden and is raiding Connecticut motorists’ pocketbooks,” said Rep. DelGobbo. “We should stop this assault on the state’s consumers.”