House Republican Press Release

April 11, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Harkins Opposes New Delivery Tax

HARTFORD- State Representative John Harkins (R-Stratford) cast his vote against a new proposed 6% tax on all deliveries in the state.  The measure was raised by majority Democrats on the legislature’s Finance Revenue and Bonding Committee, and would apply to deliveries from UPS, DHL or Federal Express.

The measure would also apply to the delivery of flowers, groceries, pharmaceuticals and even fast food deliveries like pizza.  The tax would be assessed to the business making the delivery, and passed on to the consumer.

“The majority told us this year that they did not want to raise taxes, and I believed they understood that in these economic times the last thing we should be doing is increase taxes,” said Harkins.  “However they have refused to postpone the scheduled increase on the gross receipts tax on gasoline this summer which will increase our gas prices, and now they have surprised us with a new tax on all things being delivered. The cost of transportation is already high enough without new burdens being added.”

Harkins noted that the measure was passed without any indication as to what the need for the tax was, what its intended use was, or even how much it could raise.

“They haven’t taken into account how much this puts pressure on businesses and consumers in a state that is already ranked among the lowest for its poor business environment,” said Harkins.  “Everyone from a person ordering a pizza to a senior who has their medication delivered will be expected to pay more.  It’s absurd.”

The 2008 session of the Connecticut General Assembly concludes midnight on Wednesday, May 7^th.