House Republican Press Release

May 23, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

REP. STRIPP CONDEMNS MAJORITY PARTY FOR BARRING DEBATE ON GAS TAX HOLIDAY

“Supermajority Votes against Connecticut Commuters”

HARTFORD – State Rep. John Stripp (R-Easton, Redding and Weston) 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 temporarily which is a parliamentary scheme to kill debate and not have members of the majority be forced to cast a vote on the amendment.

Rep. Stripp said, "This prohibition on debating a proposal with 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.”

As promised, House Republicans presented an amendment to impose a three-month Gas Tax Holiday for the peak summer driving season from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The 25 cents per gallon that the state charges would be rolled back to zero and save motorists a total of $120 million for the Holiday. Republicans proposed the plan May 14 and said it could easily be paid for out of the newly discovered $846 million budget surplus.

Rep. Stripp said, “The arrogance of the majority is rearing its ugly head when debate is stifled on this important public policy initiative.” 

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.