House Republican Press Release

April 11, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

DelGobbo Supports Electric Bill Tax Cut

State Rep. Kevin M. DelGobbo, R-70^th, Naugatuck, today expressed disappointment that Democrats in the state House of Representatives blocked a proposal that would reduce electricity taxes by 41 percent.

This is a proposal that Rep. DelGobbo put forth at the beginning of the 2006 legislative session, a version of which Gov. M. Jodi Rell included in her budget framework.

“I am bitterly disappointed that this proposal was blocked today,” said Rep. DelGobbo. “This was a real opportunity for immediate relief to electric ratepayers.”

He added, “Given a $600 million surplus currently anticipated, this tax cut is certainly something we could have taken up.”

Rep. DelGobbo said he is part of a bipartisan working group that hopes to pass legislation this session that would stabilize our energy needs and provide relief to ratepayers, but that none of the group’s measures would produce results overnight.

“Cutting utility taxes is something we can do right away to save taxpayers some money,” Rep. DelGobbo added.

“Frankly, given recent increases in energy prices, the state has reaped an unjustified windfall from this tax that should be returned to taxpayers,” said Rep. DelGobbo.

Rep. DelGobbo is ranking member of the legislature’s Energy and Technology Committee.