House Republican Press Release

June 4, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

State Rep. DelGobbo Urges Action to Lower Connecticut’s Highest in the Nation Gas Taxes

State Rep. Kevin M. DelGobbo, R-70, Naugatuck, said the state legislature can still act to lower Connecticut’s highest in the nation gas taxes that contribute to making Connecticut’s gasoline prices the highest in the nation.

Rep. DelGobbo, ranking member of the legislature’s Appropriations Committee, is co-author of a proposed alternative budget that would freeze state taxes on gasoline.

“I think it is obscene to take no action to stop the gas tax increase,” said Rep. DelGobbo.

The average price of gasoline in Connecticut has risen above $4.25, while gasoline across the border in Massachusetts recently has been priced as low as $3.90 per gallon.

Connecticut motor fuels taxes are set to increase again on July 1.

Connecticut fuel taxes are scheduled to rise as follows:

• Two state taxes on gasoline combined go from about 61 cents a gallon to about 65 cents a gallon (on top of 18.4 cents federal gasoline tax.)
• A state tax on diesel fuel goes from 37 cents a gallon to 44.7 cents a gallon (on top of 24.4 cents federal diesel tax).

Rep. DelGobbo has proposed eliminating the scheduled increase in Connecticut’s gasoline taxes that is scheduled to take effect on July 1.

Rep. DelGobbo said, “Connecticut does not have to have the highest taxes in the nation. The legislature can take action to make Connecticut more affordable so more people will be able to live, work and retire here.”

Rep. DelGobbo noted the Republican alternative also would provide for a summer gas tax holiday, reducing the tax by 10 cents, and capping the petroleum gross receipts tax levy so that the state does not receive a windfall as gas prices continue to rise.

 Rep. DelGobbo has cosponsored an alternative state budget that meets the needs of the state’s citizens while holding down taxes. The majority in the legislature opposed this budget alternative, and refused to allow it to come up for debate and a vote.

Instead, the majority agreed to a “Do-Nothing” budget, that leaves the second year of the two-year state budget unchanged, making no adjustments to provide middle-class tax relief.

Rep. DelGobbo serves the 70^th Assembly District of Naugatuck in the state House of Representatives.