House Republican Press Release

May 15, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. Craig Miner supports GOP call for gas tax suspension

In the face of another looming spike in gasoline prices, House Republicans today called for a gas tax moratorium from Memorial Day to Labor Day for the summer peak driving season to give motorists relief at the pumps. Given the new higher revenue projections released last week and the pain drivers continue to feel from the ever-increasing gas prices, Connecticut should stop collecting the 25 cents per gallon now levied for the summer driving season.

“The people of this state have been waiting patiently for meaningful energy reforms, and yet there’s been no relief on electric bills or fuels costs, despite the state’s $800 million surplus,” said Rep. Craig Miner (R-Litchfield). “I don’t see the harm in offering Connecticut residents lower gas prices even for a short period of time, when it is anticipated that most Connecticut residents will be traveling frequently during the summer months.”

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 revenue projections to show that, Connecticut now has a surplus this year of $846 million which would easily cover the lost revenue. The legislature has until June 6 to finalize the two-year budget and the timing of this proposal is ideal.

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