House Republican Press Release

April 15, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Kalinowski Opposes New Delivery Tax

HARTFORD- State Representative Ray Kalinowski (R-Durham) today voiced his opposition to 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.

“We were told clearly by the majority that they did not want to raise taxes this year.  Some of us took them at their word,” said Kalinowski.  “Yet, here we are only weeks after they made those initial statements, and they have apparently changed their tune.  They have also refused to postpone the scheduled increase on the gross receipts tax on gasoline this summer which will increase our gas prices, and now they are adding this new tax on all things being delivered.”

Kalinowski 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.

“This is going to put tremendous pressure on businesses and consumers in a state that is already viewed as having a terrible business climate and anemic economic growth,” said Kalinowski.  “This tax hits business, but it also takes a shot at a variety of people, from the person who orders a pizza to be delivered to their home, to a senior citizen who needs their medication delivered from a pharmacy.  It’s absurd, and if it makes it to the floor of the House of Representatives, I’ll vote against it.”

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