Rep. Sampson Says Time is Running Out for Eliminating July 1 Gas Tax Hike

HARTFORD – State Representative Rob Sampson (R-80) is challenging lawmakers to block the 16-percent gas tax hike scheduled for July 1, saying other funds are available to prevent the $60 million yearly increase that would kick in at the height of vacation season.

If majority legislators refuse to take action, the wholesale tax will increase from 7 percent to 8.1 percent, which amounts to four cents per gallon.

"The never-ending increases since 2005 have cost motorists $450 million at the pump," said Rep. Sampson.  "Residents can’t afford to continually pay more at the pumps to support the ever-increasing size of bloated state government.”

Rep. Sampson noted that combined local, state and federal gas taxes in Connecticut are already totaling 63.4 cents per gallon – more than 14 cents above the national average – and an increase is unfair and avoidable. 

Last year Rep. Sampson and his Republican colleagues succeeded in pushing the Democrats to accept their proposal to block the scheduled hike that would have kicked in July 1, 2012. Republicans proposed capping the tax permanently, but Democrats only supported a one-year cap.

The 2013 Legislative Session adjourned June 5 without taking action in the gas tax despite Republican budget amendments that would have eliminated it.

Sampson urged residents to visit his website to sign his online petition to stop the gas tax increase at www.repsampson.com.