State Considers New Tax on Mileage

Officials from the state Department of Transportation are looking at the possibility of a "Mileage Tax" on drivers as a way to help pay for improvements to Connecticut's roadways.

WTNH-TV reports that the proposal has been considered at least once before, and drew a slew of criticism.

Officials are revisiting the idea, which is also being considered in other states, because some believe it could be a potentially more equitable way to have residents help pay for Gov. Dannel Malloy's massive $100-billion transportation upgrade plan.

With the emergence of smartphones and GPS, officials believe such technologies would help make tracking and taxing miles a doable alternative. Officials also have considered bringing back tolls on Connecticut roadways.

State DOT officials reiterated that there are no specific plans to implement such a proposal, they are only studying it and other ideas.

Republican Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano said in a statement Wednesday that such a plan would only increase the costs of living in Connecticut.

“More taxes and more burdens on Connecticut drivers is not the way to improve transportation in our state. Last year Democrat lawmakers promised this idea was not going anywhere. Now almost a year later and it’s back on the table. The governor’s proposed transportation plan is not realistic and the people of Connecticut cannot be expected to shoulder any more burdens. Republicans have an alternative transportation plan that requires no new taxes and no tolls. A mileage tax is not the solution to Connecticut’s problems,” said Fasano.

And last year, state Sen. Toni Boucher (R-26th) blasted the idea of a Mileage Tax in a statement sent to Patch and other media outlets.

“How exactly will a tax on every mile a person drives encourage movement and economic development across our state?" she wrote. "How will such a tax make Connecticut inviting to new residents? I cannot understand how anyone can think this is a good idea. Are they living in an alternate universe? We already have too many jobs and residents leaving the state, and Connecticut has become the brunt of many negative national headlines. When is enough, enough?"

She continued her criticism in a statement Wednesday. State Republican legislators will fight any movement toward a Mileage Tax in Connecticut, she added.

“If you thought the idea of tolls was unpopular, just wait until you try to tax Connecticut residents for every single mile they drive,” said Boucher. “That tax will hit drivers every day. It will hit you everywhere you go, even if you are driving to a hospital emergency room. The state needs to prioritize how it spends taxpayers’ money and direct that money to the right places, but the current leadership in Hartford has not shown the willingness to do that. I would also note that in the places where the mileage tax has been introduced, it has been highly unpopular and has received a stinging response from the public. Connecticut Republicans will be fighting this mileage tax idea until it stalls permanently, and we invite Connecticut motorists to join us.”

Click here to read the full story on the WTNH-TV website.

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