Sen. Kelly, Sen. Formica Statement on Gas Tax Suspension Taking Effect April 1

Senate Republican Leader Kevin Kelly (R-Stratford) and Senate Republican Leader Pro Tempore Paul Formica (R-East Lyme) are applauding the bipartisan tax relief package set to take effect tomorrow, April 1, and also renewing their calls for further relief for Connecticut’s working- and middle-class families.

Earlier this month, CT Republicans called for suspending the state gas tax and called for federal action to suspend the federal gas tax. CT Republicans have also called for further relief to combat inflation and make Connecticut more affordable with proposals such as cutting the state sales tax, making health care more affordable, and implementing policies to create opportunities and a pipeline to jobs.

The state legislature unanimously passed the bipartisan House Bill 5501 to suspend Connecticut’s excise tax on gasoline from April 1, 2022 to June 30, 2022, create a one-week sales tax holiday on clothing and footwear under $100 from April 10, 2022, to April 16, 2022, and suspend fares on all CTtransit buses statewide from April 1, 2022, to June 30, 2022.

Senate Republican Leader Kevin Kelly said, “These tax cuts are a start, a thankful start, but by no means an end to the relief our families need. The work does not stop here. We must continue working together to make Connecticut more affordable across the board. From making tax cuts like this permanent to reducing health care costs to cutting other taxes, Connecticut families need further relief. The latest numbers from nonpartisan analysts show that Connecticut’s budget is still gaining a massive and growing windfall of extra revenue because of inflation. Meanwhile, Connecticut remains unaffordable for far too many families with some of the highest taxes in the country and an economy that does not perform for low- and middle-income residents. Much more of the state’s inflation-related windfall must be returned to taxpayers for further relief.”

Senator Paul Formica said, “We must continue working together to make Connecticut more affordable across the board. People are facing additional financial hardship at every turn. This package is a step toward at least providing temporary relief to Connecticut consumers. There are only certain portions of gas prices the state government can control, and I am glad we stood ready and unified in taking action. We must continue to work to return the over collection of taxes caused by double digit inflation. On the state level we need to continue identifying ways to relieve the burdens on working- and middle-class families. We must revisit our tax code with the intent of making lower taxes a permanent solution for CT’s overtaxed citizens. As a country, we also need to begin looking for a long-term solution to skyrocketing costs.”

To learn more about CT Senate Republican policy proposals visit www.BetterWayCT.com.