Letter: Mileage tax won’t solve anything

Letter to the Editor as it Appeared in the Monroe Courier

by Sen. Kevin Kelly

I strongly oppose the “mileage tax” which would tax drivers based on how many miles they drive. [“GOP Says No Way to Mileage Tax,” 06/29/16]
I believe we must take action to stop this tax proposal from moving forward. That’s why I’m joining Republican leaders in calling for a special session to pass a law that would prohibit Connecticut from launching any mileage tax pilot program.

Without legislative action to stop it, the mileage tax pilot will be started in the state of Connecticut if the federal grant is received. On top of it opening the door for a bad policy, it would also cost the state $300,000 in state taxpayer dollars to match the federal grant. At a time when core social services are being cut drastically, our state cannot afford to spend a dime of state money on this bad idea.

The taxpayers I’ve heard from completely “get it.” This new tax will not solve Connecticut’s problems. Rather, it would only further burden our families and drive more people and jobs out of our state.

To help quash this bad idea, taxpayers should reach out to Democrat leaders and urge them to join Republicans by launching a special session. We need to send a message loud and clear: the mileage tax is not welcome here in Connecticut.