House Republican Press Release

May 14, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Marilyn Giuliano Supports Gas Tax Holiday for Connecticut Motorists This Summer

In the face of record gasoline prices, State Rep. Marilyn Giuliano, R-23^rd, Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, Westbrook, is calling for a Memorial Day to Labor Day state tax holiday during the summer peak driving season to give motorists relief at the pumps.

Connecticut House Republicans proposed the gas tax relief based on new higher state surplus estimates and the pain drivers feel from the ever-increasing gas prices.

Rep. Giuliano said “Connecticut should stop collecting the 25 cents per gallon tax during the summer driving season. The savings would be significant and Connecticut can afford it.”

“Connecticut motorists pay some of the highest gas prices in the country and at a time we can afford to offer some relief, we need to do it. The General Assembly has failed to enact any meaningful energy plan at a time when we desperately need leadership in this area. Let’s lower gasoline prices for Connecticut drivers now.”

Giuliano said Connecticut’s combined state and federal taxes of more than 55 cents per gallon are third highest in the country behind only California and New York.

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.

Last week, the non-partisan Office of Fiscal Analysis revised state revenue estimates to forecast that Connecticut will end the current fiscal year on June 30 with an $846 million surplus, which will easily cover the lost revenue.

The legislature has until June 6 to finalize the two-year budget and Giuliano said the timing of this proposal is ideal.

The gas tax moratorium would not divert any funds from any transportation program.

Giuliano said, “For the next three weeks, we are in session and we can easily implement a gas tax holiday. We have proven that we have the funds; let’s get this money flowing back into the hands of Connecticut consumers.”

He added, “We can debate forever the larger energy issues and still not come up with a plan. We’ve missed opportunities to do anything about the heating season crisis, but we should act on this plan right now.’’

Average prices have increased more than 80 cents per gallon in recent months or more than 33 percent and there is disagreement over who is to blame. “If we move forward now we can show Connecticut motorists we have their best interests in mind,’’ Giuliano said.

Rep. Marilyn Giuliano serves the 23rd Assembly District of Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, Westbrook in the state House of Representatives.