Senator Kissel Raises Concerns about the Installation of Tolls in Connecticut

HARTFORD, Conn. – Today State Senator John A. Kissel (R-Enfield) joined fellow legislators and opponents of tolling Connecticut roadways at the state Capitol to explain why tolls are not a realistic solution to the state’s budget problems.

“I was pleased to join my fellow lawmakers at the Capitol today to voice my opposition to tolls and explain why bringing back tolls is not going to solve our budget problems,” said Sen. Kissel. “This is just another way for the state to reach deep into the wallets of hard-working families and ultimately is another new tax on the people of Connecticut.”

Republican lawmakers explained that studies on tolls in Connecticut thus far are based on toll prices that far exceed tolls in other places by anywhere between 2-4 times the highest rate in the country. These studies do not consider the cost at which people decide to jump off the highway to take other routes. Current studies also do not take into account how out of state drivers could plan routes around Connecticut if toll rates are set too high.

“For many years I have been a staunch opponent of tolling Connecticut roadways and that opposition remains today,” said Sen. Kissel. “There has been no study to map out if tolls will actually make money after you factor in construction costs, the fee structure and the likelihood of people using roadways with tolls. I cannot and will not get behind proposals that continue to pinch the finances of North-Central Connecticut residents and that is exactly what tolls will do.”