Senator Boucher Calls Finance Committee Toll Proposal Another Money Grab

State Senator Toni Boucher (R-26) said yesterday’s public hearing on yet another toll bill shows that Democrats fail to recognize the state’s financial reality as they try to squeeze more dollars from tapped-out taxpayers.

“Democrats continue to propose one money grab after another instead of addressing the state’s spending problems,” Sen. Boucher said. “Connecticut residents and businesses cannot take another tax. When you get past all the rhetoric, that’s what tolls really are: another tax.”

As a member of the legislature’s Finance, Revenue, & Bonding Committee, Sen. Boucher said she will vote against HB 7317, An Act Concerning Electronic Tolls And Authorizing Certain Loan Agreements Between The State And The United States Department Of Transportation. She voted against similar toll measures as Co-Chair of the Transportation Committee earlier in the session. With the 18 to 18 tie between Democrats and Republican in the state Senate, she said she has no intention of allowing tolls to be erected on Connecticut highways. Proposals for tolls have been brought up every year for the past few years, and every year they are defeated.

“States that have tolls have lower gas taxes,” Sen. Boucher said. “They don’t have a percentage tax on gas. They have lower income taxes and no inheritance taxes. They have no gift, pension, real estate, or car property taxes. They are the complete opposite of Connecticut.”

She said tolls represent a direct pay cut every week to those that have to go through a toll every day to get to work. Connecticut taxes too much already.

“Democrats can no longer ignore the fact that people have had enough new taxes; nearly 80 new ones since 2011,” Sen. Boucher said. “Taxpayers want smaller government, lower cost of living, and highways without tolls. Republicans want to move the state in that direction. If Democrats don’t join us on that journey, they may find themselves left behind.”

Sen. Boucher represents the communities of Bethel, New Canaan, Redding, Ridgefield, Weston, Westport, and Wilton.