Sen. Berthel: State carbon tax would be costly to residents

(Waterbury Republican-American Letter to the Editor)

State carbon tax would be costly to residents

The Connecticut Business & Industry Association is worried, and it should be (Quotable, March 27). The Democratic proposal at the state Capitol to enact a “carbon tax” would result in an average increase of $224 per year in new taxes on every household in Connecticut that uses heating oil. Given the climate of our region, our residents use home heating oil as a necessity, not a luxury.

This tax increase would be another attempt to balance the state budget on the backs of senior citizens, people on fixed incomes, and those trying to raise families in our already very expensive state.

Even if the “carbon tax” doesn’t become law, consider the negative message this proposal already has sent to Connecticut residents and businesses who love this state and want to stay here.

–          Sen. Eric C. Berthel, R-Watertown

The writer, a Republican, represents the 32nd Senate District, which includes Bethlehem, Bridgewater, Middlebury, Oxford, Roxbury, Seymour, Southbury, Washington, Watertown, Woodbury, and parts of Middlebury and Seymour.