House Republican Press Release

May 23, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Kalinowski: Democrats Deny Gas Price Relief

Legislative Majority Blocks Efforts to Suspend State Gas Tax

HARTFORD- House Democrats engaged in a cowardly political tactic today by refusing to vote, and have their individual votes publicly recorded on an amendment offered today by House Republicans that would suspend the state’s 25 cent per gallon from Memorial Day to Labor Day.  The measure would have saved Connecticut motorists $120 million.

“Memorial Day is only a few days away, and the end of this session is only two weeks away,” said Representative Ray Kalinowski (R-100).  “The Democratic majority have said ‘no’ to Connecticut motorists, who are paying the third highest gasoline taxes in the nation, and have said ‘no’ to helping motorists save between $3 and $5 every time they fill up their tanks.”

When the GOP amendment was brought out, Democratic Majority Leader Chris Donovan immediately moved to pass the bill temporarily or “PT” it.  This procedure temporarily skips an item on the agenda, and it can be brought up again at a later time.

“The Democrats refused to even debate this bill.   But they are now on the record opposing this tax relief,” said Kalinowski.  “Democrats owe state consumers an explanation as to why they don’t believe gas prices should go down.”

No transportation programs would be affected under the proposal and the lost revenue that is used to back highway construction bonds would simply be replaced by the surplus money. Governor M. Jodi Rell has gone on the record in support of the idea. She has repeatedly said that if the legislature does not go along, she and her fellow Republicans will attempt to make the gas tax proposal a part of the budget negotiations that have just begun.

This session of the Connecticut General Assembly adjourns at midnight June 6^th, 2007.