Gov. Lamont Wants To Extend Gas Tax Pause, Special Session Likely

CONNECTICUT — Gov. Ned Lamont wants a special legislative session to extend the state’s 25-cent gas tax pause and free bus service, which is set to expire Dec. 1.

“I don’t think we want to have a cliff on the gas tax,” he said during a news conference.

Lamont’s administration is working with legislative leaders to determine when a quorum could be met to vote on the measure.

The plan may call for gradually phasing out the gas tax pause over time, he said.

“I don’t think people want a 25-cent hit,” Lamont said. “So that’s what we’re discussing with the leadership right now, say over the next four or five months.”

Connecticut implemented a gas tax pause in April in response to skyrocketing costs. Prices peaked at nearly $5 per gallon in mid-June. The statewide average was $3.77 for a gallon of regular gas Wednesday, according to AAA. The national average is $3.76.

It likely won’t be necessary to take up additional home heating assistance funding during the special session, Lamont said. The state received additional federal assistance. Lamont’s administration is working to make sure there is reserve funding in place in case there is a very cold January or February.