General Assembly Looks At Gas Tax Rollback

By Bud Wilkinson

It can be extremely painful stopping at the gas pump no matter where you live these days, but that’s especially true in Connecticut. Three bills just introduced in the General Assembly would trim the gas tax in Connecticut, while other bills would add advertising
to Connecticut River ferries and allow for the confiscation of ATVs and snowmobiles by those who ride illegally.

Proposed S.B. No. 41, introduced by Sen. Art Linares (R-33rd) whose district takes in the lower Connecticut River Valley, is aimed at generating revenue. It would allow for advertisements on Connecticut River ferries and at ferry landings operated by the Department of Transportation.

Meanwhile, Raised Bill No. 5141 would allow for the seizure by a municipality and forfeiture by the owner of any ATV or snowmobile for a third violation of local ordinances on such vehicles.

Three legislators are tackling the high cost of gas in Connecticut:

– Proposed H.B. No. 5189 would create cheaper gas in August by rolling back the tax 13 cents per gallon. The purpose of the bill, introduced by Rep. Tom O’Dea (R-125th), is “to make Connecticut gasoline the least expensive in the region for the month of August.”

– Proposed S.B. No. 144 would also “provide relief to motorists” by amending the statutes “to reduce the tax on gasoline.” It was introduced by by Sen. Joseph Crisco (D-17th).

– Proposed S.B. No. 159 would also “reduce the gas tax” by amending the statutes “to reduce the tax on motor vehicle fuels by five cents per gallon.” It was introduced by Sen. John Kissel (R-7th).

Here’s hoping. Sure, motorcycles get better gas mileage than cars and trucks, but every little bit helps.

One other bill under consideration makes little sense.

Raised Bill No. 99 would require any person owning a motor vehicle formerly used as an ambulance or as a police or other law enforcement unit to remove all exterior badging and equipment that indicates its former use. Wouldn’t the police department or ambulance company naturally do that before selling any vehicle? Just asking.