Statement on Gov. Lamont’s Proposal to Toll all CT Residents

Senate Republican Leader Len Fasano (R-North Haven) released the following statement in response to Governor Ned Lamont’s announcement that he will be proposing tolls on all Connecticut drivers, a reversal from campaign promises.

“Governor Lamont’s announcement that he will be proposing tolls on all Connecticut residents is a disappointing step backward. It’s a false choice of tolls versus no tolls, when in fact other solutions to properly fund transportation do exist. In addition, telling people not to worry because residents will only have to pay ‘discounted’ tolls is a disingenuous attempt to curtail criticism. Currently, residents do not pay any tolls in Connecticut. So you can tout a ‘discount’ all you want, but the truth is families are going to be paying more than they already do today if tolls are installed. In addition, the formula for tolls is simple: the number of cars on the road times the toll rate gives you a total amount of funding. That means rates will have to be set at a level that results in the desired revenue. You can say you are giving someone a ‘discount,’ but the reality is in order to achieve the desired profits, we are all going to be paying a high rate per mile to generate those funds. The money has to come from somewhere, and that somewhere is state taxpayers.

“Overall, I am disappointed that Governor Lamont appears to be dismissing other proposals to boost transportation funding without even a conversation. I am concerned that a public-private partnership was not put on the table, especially when the administration has the experience, knowledge and expertise in financial and economic matters that could allow Connecticut to develop a public-private option at the very least to be discussed by stakeholders, lawmakers and the public. To ignore other options without even a conversation seems like the shadow of a prior administration we hoped was behind us.”