There will be a Vote to Cut Gas Taxes –
Thank you for signing our gas tax petition and for helping us put pressure on the legislature to cap Connecticut’s hidden gas tax.
Two proposals are now on the table. The Republican plan includes a permanent cap on the petroleum gross receipts percentage gas tax, stops the scheduled increase of this tax next year which would take it from 7.53% of the wholesale price to over 8% on July 1, 2013 and requires that this proposal is implemented immediately!
The Democrat plan caps the hidden tax for one year ONLY and then the tax is reintroduced on July 1, 2013. There is no clear time table for the implementation of the cap.
Majority Democrat leaders have “promised to hold a vote” to cut gas taxes and Republicans are urging them to do so immediately.
Either proposal would be an improvement over the situation we have today. And your involvement in the issue has made the difference.
Unfortunately Connecticut is the only state in the nation with a two tiered gas tax, a 25 cent excise tax AND a percentage tax referred to as the petroleum gross receipts tax.
The petroleum gross receipts tax was introduced a few years ago for a specific purpose at 5 % and has increased substantially, scheduled to increase to over 8 % in 2013. In addition this tax has been redirected from its original purpose and redirected into the general fund to balance the budget. Connecticut is still the only state in the union to have this double gas tax.
At nearly 50 cents per gallon, Connecticut has the highest gas taxes in our region and most states across the country.
At current prices, you pay nearly $7.50 in state taxes every time you fill your tank.
The state of Connecticut profits more from your pain at the pump than the store owners, credit card companies and federal governmentcombined!
This burden is further compounded as Connecticut is the only state in the nation to levy a sales tax on luxury goods such as jewelry, clothes and cars. Fortunately on this issue you have made a difference in helping to reduce the highest gas tax in the country by engaging in the political process and making your voice heard.
We will continue to keep you informed as the legislature debates this issue. You can be sure I will be supporting a permanent and immediate cap or total elimination of the percentage portion of the gas tax, the petroleum gross receipts - the hidden gas tax.
Thank you again and feel free to contact my office on this or any other concern you have.
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