Commentary: Belsito on Gun Fee Proposal

TOLLAND, CT — State Rep. Sam Belsito on Thursday released the following commentary on Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s plan to increase pistol permit fees:

“The governor’s proposal to increase gun permit fees by nearly 400 percent is an attack on our 2nd Amendment right. Gun owners and individuals who want to express this constitutional right already pay some of the highest permit fees in the Country.

"Under the Governor’s plan, the five-year renewal fee for a pistol permit will go from $70 to $300. For individuals receiving a first-time pistol permit, the fee would increase from $140 to $370, towns and cities would collect $70 from this increase. The proposal also looks to increase the cost associated with obtaining a background check; the fee would go from $50 to $70. If the proposal were to pass today, Connecticut would have the highest pistol permit fees in the nation.

“Raising new fees and creating new taxes on individuals will not solve our fiscal woes. More and more constituents in my district are looking to move out of the State because of excessive taxes placed on them. I encourage residents in my district to contact the governor’s office to express their concerns about this proposal."

The governor’s proposal was released earlier this month, and the Appropriations Committee is now conducting public hearings to get residents input on the budget.

Photo Credit: CT House Republicans