Trumbull GOP State Legislators Call For Suspension Of CT Gas Tax

TRUMBULL, CT — Trumbull's three Republican state Representatives — Dave Rutigliano (R-123), Ben McGorty (R-122), and Laura Devlin (R-134) — along with their Senate and House Republican colleagues are calling on Connecticut to temporarily suspend the state gross receipts tax on gasoline. They also are demanding that Connecticut's federal Congressional delegation deliver on a federal gas tax cut proposal to provide immediate relief to Connecticut residents as gas prices surge.

Connecticut Republican lawmakers are proposing to suspend the state's gross receipts tax on gasoline, which has risen to 26.4 cents per gallon in recent weeks. They are also demanding that Connecticut's federal delegation follow through on calls to halt the federal 18.4 cents per gallon gas tax.

Together, these proposals will immediately save Connecticut residents 44.8 cents on every gallon of gasoline.

Gov. Ned Lamont, a Democrat, said recently that his administration also is exploring gas tax relief.

The Trumbull lawmakers reminded residents that the state gross receipts tax on gasoline includes all home heating oil and all other petroleum products.

"Trumbull families need relief – and they need it now - not six months from now. Working families are being forced to shell out hundreds of dollars to fill their tanks. State government is making extra tax revenue off each gallon of gas sold, further exploiting Trumbull families," Rutigliano said.

Added McGorty, "As gas prices across the state and nation continue to rise, families are struggling to make ends meet. Our proposal to suspend these gas taxes will provide Connecticut residents and families with immediate financial relief. I hope our federal representatives will join us in delivering this necessary support."

"With prices approaching $5.00 a gallon, we are proposing a little relief for Connecticut drivers and their families. This will also help businesses and non-profits in our state that have any size fleet of cars or trucks", said Devlin.

The Republican lawmakers are calling on the state legislature to adopt this proposal immediately during the legislative session scheduled for Wednesday, March 16, 2022. The lawmakers will also seek to adopt language to require that suppliers and retailers pass on the reduction in taxes to consumers.

The state tax proposal is budget neutral. The state can afford the reduction with its windfall in increased sales tax and gas tax revenue the state is collecting as a result of inflation, the legislators said.