Sen. Berthel, CT Senate GOP Unveil Bold Plan to Permanently Reduce Burdens by Thousands of $$$ a Year

February 10, 2026

“Can’t Afford CT…Can’t Afford CT Democrats!”

Sen. Berthel, CT Senate GOP Unveil Plan to Effectively Eliminate the Car Tax

for the Working Class, Reduce Electricity Bills & Deliver Working Class Income Tax Relief

Proposals Would Permanently Reduce Burdens by Thousands of Dollars

HARTFORD – State Sen. Eric Berthel (R-Watertown) and the Connecticut Senate Republican Caucus today unveiled a comprehensive plan that effectively eliminates the car tax for working class families, limits property tax increases, lowers income tax burdens for working class families, and reduces electricity bills.

“For families and businesses in Connecticut, affordability isn’t a talking point, it’s the uncomfortable reality. My colleagues and I raised the alarm on this growing problem years ago and offered solutions with each passing year. Car taxes, electric bills, and income taxes are crushing household budgets, and people are rightfully frustrated. This plan offers real, permanent relief by lowering costs and putting money back in the pockets of Connecticut residents,” said Sen. Berthel.

Under Democratic leadership, Connecticut now ranks:

Sen. Berthel and Senate Republicans are advocating for:

WORKING CLASS CAR TAX ELIMINATION:

100% refundable income tax credit for single filers making less than $100,000 and joint filers making less than $200,000 on property taxes paid to towns on their cars
No loss of revenue to towns
Maintains existing $300 property tax credit

WORKING CLASS INCOME TAX CUT:

A $1 billion income tax cut

40% reduction for single filers making $50,000 and joint filers making $100,000
16% reduction for single filers making $100,000 and joint filers making $200,000
Eliminate income tax for single filers making $25,000
Up to $1600 in tax relief for joint filers, up to $800 for a single filers

The Senate Republican Caucus Affordability Plan also includes:

Institute a Property Tax Levy Cap for municipalities of the greater of 2% or the cost of inflation. Towns are allowed to override the cap for major projects with 60% vote at referendum
Eliminate occupational license fees for professions including: electrician, HVAC, plumber, teacher, realtor, speech and language pathologist
Reduce the Payroll tax (CT Paid Family Leave) by 20%
Implement the Bipartisan Supported Association Health Plans
Cut All Public Benefits Charges from electric bills for end use customers of each electric distribution company and move such expenses to the state budget process
Cap Power Purchase Agreements at 2.5 times the wholesale price of electricity
Prohibit PURA from Enacting Programs with Ratepayer Impact without Legislative Approval
Immediate study by state agencies on how to reduce the costs of living and working for the people, businesses, municipalities, and non-profit organizations of Connecticut

“Connecticut didn’t become unaffordable by accident. Decades of one-party rule and bad policy choices created this mess. I am again working with Senate Republicans to offer a responsible alternative of lower taxes, lower energy costs, and common-sense reforms that give everyone an opportunity to remain in the state and prosper,” Sen. Berthel added.