CT Senate GOP Statement on July 1 CT Diesel Tax Decrease

Any tax decrease here in our unaffordable state is something to applaud, especially when it benefits consumers.

But in this case, it is amusing to see Connecticut Senate Democrats taking credit for this drop in the diesel tax.

The truth is, they had absolutely nothing to do with it!

A brief history lesson: By law, the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services uses a formula to calculate each upcoming fiscal year’s diesel tax. Over the past five years, the diesel tax has increased by 31%, jumping from 40.1 cents per gallon to 52.4 cents per gallon.

Throughout this time, Connecticut Senate Republicans have consistently fought to reduce the diesel tax. In 2023, Democrats agreed with us to freeze a scheduled increase, but only for one year. Meanwhile, they’ve been in control of the legislature, allowing the tax to climb year after year.

To make matters worse, Senate Democrats imposed a new highway use tax that hits not just businesses, but also working families across Connecticut. When businesses pay more to transport goods, families, seniors, and municipalities pay the price through higher costs on everything from groceries to household essentials, at a time when the cost of living remains painfully high in our state.

Who is really on the side of Connecticut’s people? Senate Republicans are fighting to make Connecticut more affordable.

If Democrats truly want to help, they should listen to what families and businesses are saying: Lower the diesel tax further and eliminate the highway use tax. That would support local businesses, create jobs, and provide real relief for everyone in Connecticut.