Sen. Art Linares, Local Business Leaders Fighting Proposed Heating Oil Tax Hike

Sen. Art Linares (left) and David Foster, President of Westbrook-based Wilcox Energy at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. Foster testified against a proposal to create a tax on heating oil. Linares is also opposed to the tax hike proposal.

On March 19, the legislature’s Commerce Committee held a public hearing on a bill which would create a tax on heating oil.

Several state business leaders testified against House Bill 6650, including David Foster, President of Westbrook-based Wilcox Energy.

“I thank David and the many other business leaders for coming to the State Capitol complex on a snowy morning to voice their opposition to this bill,” said Sen. Art Linares, who represents Westbrook and serves on the Commerce Committee. “My district is made up of thousands of heating oil users. When I talk with seniors, low-income working families, and those who are on fixed incomes, one of their main concerns is their heating bills. Area residents rely on home heating oil to stay safe and warm. That’s why I have come out strongly against this proposal which would tax all heating oil. Taxing this necessity would hurt needy families, the disabled and the elderly. I will fight against this tax on behalf of consumers and businesses in Westbrook and throughout the state.”