Connecticut State Sen. John A. Kissel Applauds Massachusetts Governor for Promising to Veto Mileage Tax Provision

Hartford-State Senator John A. Kissel (R-Enfield) today commended Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker for announcing he will veto a provision in a transportation funding bill which would have applied for a federal grant to study the feasibility of a mileage tax.

In Connecticut, the state Department of Transportation is already applying for the same grant to study a mileage tax on residents.

“I would like to congratulate Governor Baker for his decision to not waste taxpayer money studying the feasibility of a mileage tax,” said Senator Kissel. “If you ask people on the street what they think of a tax on every mile you drive in your car, you would be hard pressed to find a single one who supports the idea. Besides the cost to the taxpayer, a mileage tax would be sure to raise privacy issues. Do people really want the government installing a device which monitors everywhere they drive?”

“Connecticut should take a cue from Governor Baker and abandon this costly mileage tax study. Among other problems, there are serious questions regarding borders and limitations,” continued Senator Kissel. “I represent a district on the border with Massachusetts where thousands of constituents go every day to work, shop, and visit relatives and friends; will the state of Connecticut tax them for those miles too?”

Senator Kissel plans to submit legislation next session to defund the mileage tax provision in next year’s budget.