Senator Tony Guglielmo (R-Stafford) today released the following statement re: SB 457, Legislation to cap the gas tax.

“Consumers will now have some relief at the gas pump because of this legislation. Though a small step – it is a step in the right direction. Connecticut is the only state in the nation to have two gas taxes. One tax is the state excise tax of 25 cents and the second a petroleum gross receipts tax. The petroleum gross receipts tax is a percentage tax that rises every time the price of a gallon of gas goes up. Many call it a hidden gas tax.

“I am glad we came together to cap this hidden gas tax. Republicans have been pushing for this cap for six years now.

“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 under cut 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 the idea was voted down along party lines.

“I will continue to fight this scheduled increase and 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.”