Senator Joe Markley (R-Southington) today released the following statement re: SB 457, Legislation to cap the gas tax.

“I would like to have given consumers even more relief at the gas pump, but this small step is a step in the right direction. Connecticut is the only state in the nation with two gas taxes. One is the state excise tax of 25 cents and; the second is a gross receipts tax on petroleum. The gross receipts tax is a hidden percentage tax that rises every time the price of a gallon of gas goes up. Like the utility tax I fought and beat last year it is a sneaky tax on an essential commodity which really hits the middle class and people on fixed incomes.

“I am glad Democrats finally came together with Republicans to cap this hidden gas tax. My good friend Senator Len Suzio has been a warrior on this issue he’s the one who made this happen.

“With the passage of this bill, the 7 percent gross receipt tax will be applied to a $3.00 capped price of wholesale gas, but only until June 30, 2013.

“The 7 percent tax is still scheduled to increase to 8 percent the very next day (July 1, 2013) and could undercut the tax benefit just achieved in this legislation. Republicans had offered an amendment to the bill which would have stopped this scheduled increase and saved consumers more money, but that idea was voted down along party lines.

“I thank all of our constituents who emailed, called, and signed our petition to cap the gas tax. Your voices were heard and will continue to be heard.”