Signs Petition Calling For Special Legislative Session

WILTON- Rep. Toni Boucher (R-Wilton and Norwalk) today called on Democrat legislators to do the right thing for the people who elected them by signing a petition to call a special session to cut and cap Connecticut’s “hidden” gas tax.”

"I signed the petition because I believe my constituents want us to help reduce the cost of gasoline. Realistically, that means cutting state taxes on gasoline. Calling a special session would give legislators an opportunity to discuss this issue in depth, and I encourage state residents to share their views with us. In speaking to my constituents in Wilton and Norwalk, everyone sees the difference between gas prices here and other border states.”

Connecticut drivers are charged two state gas taxes, a flat 25 cents per gallon excise tax, and a Petroleum Gross Receipts Tax which is levied as percentage of the wholesale price of gas. At the current rate of seven percent, the Petroleum Gross Tax Receipts tax presently costs consumers approximately 26 cents a gallon. In other words, drivers pay 51 cents in state taxes for every gallon of gas they buy in Connecticut. However, Connecticut drivers can expect their gas taxes to increase as gas prices increase.

Some media news outlets have reported that the State of Connecticut profits more from your oil purchases than gas stations, credit card companies and the federal government combined!

The General Assembly took a step in the right direction by passing legislation earlier this summer canceling the scheduled July increase in the rate of the Petroleum Gross Receipts Tax and by permitting retailers to offer discounts to drivers who pay cash when buying gas. However, Boucher said that the General Assembly is able - and morally obligated - to do much more.

"Right now, filling a 15 gallon gas tank costs Connecticut drivers about $65.55. Of that, $7.65 is Connecticut gas taxes. We’re taking in much more revenue than we need to pay for transportation initiatives. The gas tax wasn’t meant to be a windfall for the General Fund. Cutting and capping the Petroleum Gross Receipts Tax is one of the most effective ways to help Connecticut drivers. Hopefully, all legislators will act quickly to sign the petition calling for a special session,” added Rep. Boucher.

Due to record gasoline prices, the state is collecting approximately $200 million in windfall taxes. Cutting and capping the Petroleum Gross Receipts Tax would severely restrict the revenues the state could collect from Connecticut drivers every time they fill up their gas tanks to go to work, go to school, and get to wherever else they have to go.

Under state law, the Secretary of the State must call a special session to consider the Republicans proposal to cut and cap the state’s Petroleum Products Gross Receipts Tax if a majority of legislators in both chambers of the General Assembly submits signed petitions calling on her to do so.