Gas tax increase petition gains traction in Winsted

WINSTED – State Rep. Jay Case on Monday gathered over 150 signatures on a petition aimed at removing the gas tax increase, which is scheduled to drag taxpayers down beginning on July 1.

Rep. Case (R-63) joined fellow House Republican and Senate Republican delegates in the statewide effort in saying ‘enough is enough’ of Connecticut tax hikes. The gross receipts tax will climb by 16 percent, costing motorists 4 cents per gallon this summer.

“With summer here, and gas prices already on the rise, the people of Connecticut can’t take any more of these ridiculous tax increases,” Rep. Case said. “People came out to tell Governor Malloy and the Democrats that they’re sick and tired of increased taxes and through-the-roof spending. We can’t keep living this way – and that’s what everyone was saying when I talked to them about this increase.

“Some people don’t know where their next meal is coming from, and through this tax increase, we’re asking them to fund silly programs pushed by the governor. That’s what gets me,” Rep. Case added.

Constituents from Colebrook and Winchester came to sign Rep. Case’s petition, along with travelers from Barkhamsted, Hartland and other surrounding communities. A few people even made the trek up Route 8 from Torrington, just to sign their names.

“The support for this petition was phenomenal. We’re putting pressure on the governor, and that’s what we need to do. If he doesn’t listen to these bogged-down taxpayers, then he should consider finding a new job,” said Rep. Case.

Rep. Case stood at the Citgo station in Winsted’s west end for two-plus hours. When he showed up, there was already a line of people waiting to sign the petition.