House Republican Press Release

May 23, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. Ryan Condemns Democrats for Barring Debate on Gas Tax Holiday

“Supermajority Votes against Connecticut Commuters”

HARTFORD – State Rep. John J. Ryan (R-Darien, Rowayton) today joined fellow House Republicans in submitting an amendment which would have permitted a Gas Tax Holiday from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

The amendment would have suspended the 25 cent gas tax for the summer months. The Democrats who hold a “supermajority” in the State Legislature refused to permit a debate on the amendment instead passing the bill temporary which is a parliamentary scheme to kill debate and not have to get members on record voting for or against a specific proposal.

Rep. Ryan said, "This refusal to debate a proposal with so much merit seems to be the Democratic super-majority’s attempt to silence the will of Connecticut residents. All of our constituents are clamoring for immediate relief at the gas pump and an up or down vote on the proposal is warranted.”

Rep. Ryan said, “If the voters are wondering why there has been no relief from record gas prices, they need to follow the procedural shenanigans that the majority party is using in Hartford to prevent helpful legislation from being discussed and voted upon”

Lower Fairfield County currently has the highest gas prices in Connecticut, anywhere from $3.20 to $3.60 per gallon.

The House Republican caucus plans to continue introducing and attaching this amendment on any upcoming relevant legislation to provide urgent assistance to Connecticut drivers.