House Republican Press Release

August 19, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

REPRESENTATIVE SCRIBNER BACKS ENERGY ASSISTANCE MEASURES

Special Session Scheduled For August 22

HARTFORD- State Representative David A. Scribner (R-Brookfield, Bethel) today joined with fellow House Republican leaders in supporting an energy assistance plan that directs an additional $25 million to insulate consumers from the rising costs of home heating oil, help pay electric bills and combat soaring gasoline prices. The proposal will be put forward during the Legislature’s Special Session, scheduled for Friday, August 22.

The House Republican proposal introduced today would use an additional $9 million of the state surplus to increase the Operation Fuel account to help middle class families earning up to $94,000 a year. It would add $5 million to the Energy Conservation Load Management Fund and offer sales tax break for small businesses.

 “We are facing what is likely going to be a very difficult fall and winter for many people to heat their homes,’’ said Rep. Scribner. “Helping provide some relief in this regard for thousands of families who otherwise would not qualify for assistance because of restrictive income levels is a suitable use of surplus funds.”

The proposal would specifically:

· Allow a family of four earning up to $94,000 a year to qualify for  Operation Fuel assistance;

· Increase tax exemptions for small businesses for the first $500 on electric bills;

· Increase by $5 million the Conservation Load Management Account that rewards conservation efforts;

· Provide $3 million to help struggling families pay their electric bills; 

· Cap the gross receipts gasoline tax to hedge against future spikes at the gas pump;

· Fill the Special Transportation Fund deficit of $28 million by using the current Transportation Fund Balance and direct nearly $100 million of the fund to projects that have stalled due to rising construction costs.

Rep. Scribner, who serves as Ranking Member (House Republican leader) of the Legislature’s Transportation Committee noted the transportation projects are of crucial importance to the state at this time.

“Our state infrastructure is in dire need of a number of transportation projects,” said Rep. Scribner. “As we motorists continue to suffer through serious traffic congestion on roadways throughout the state, that situation also hinders Connecticut’s economy. It’s critical we continue to move key transportation projects forward.”