Gov. Lamont Signs Gas Tax Suspension Bill

CONNECTICUT — Gov. Ned Lamont signed the gas tax suspension bill into law Thursday. The 25-cent excise tax on gasoline will be suspended from April 1 to June 30. The legislation will also make public bus rides free during the same time period.

Additionally, clothing and footwear purchases under $100 between April 10 and 16 will be tax-free.

The bill passed both the state House and Senate with unanimous approval Wednesday.

"I think these actions are a good indicator that in the coming weeks we will be able to once again come to a bipartisan agreement to provide more tax relief to the people of Connecticut," Lamont said in a statement.

Related: Inflation Makes These Things Pricier In Connecticut

Republican legislative leaders called on the state to suspend its wholesale gas tax two weeks ago.

"Lawmakers came together in a bipartisan vote to deliver tax relief to all Connecticut families," Senate Minority Leader Kevin Kelly (R-Monroe) said. "This is an important first step in providing needed relief to working and middle-class families to combat the crushing impact of inflation."

House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora (R-Branford) said Republicans remain committed to working on sensible remedies to combat high inflation and provide relief to Connecticut families."

Democratic legislative leaders also promised more tax relief for Connecticut families.

“Years of responsible fiscal policy have put us in the position where we can suspend the gas tax until the end of June, add a second sales tax holiday, and provide free bus service," House Speaker Matt Ritter (D-Hartford) said.

"We know that every kind of relief is significant in these inflationary times, and we will continue to work to protect consumers and advocate for policies that reduce the tax burden for middle and working-class families," Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven) said.