Learning More about Transportation Funding and Tolls

I would like to say thank you to everyone who attended our informational forum on tolls featuring Transportation Committee Ranking Members State Representative Devlin and State Senator Martin. I would also like to thank to State Representatives Carpino and Green for co-hosting the event.

Our state has a poor history of maintaining the Special Transportation Fund (STF). We might not have swept money out of the fund, but we have diverted revenues and prevented money from going into the fund. In his budget, Governor Lamont proposes to do more of the same, shifting new car sales tax revenues into the general fund. The Governor’s plan makes the STF insolvent and relies heavily on borrowing against potential future toll revenues.

As a member of the Transportation Committee I voted against proposed bills to install tolls on our highways. The roads and number of toll gantries is a moving target, the Governor is seeking 50 tolls on I-84, I-91, I-95 and Route 15. Legislation from the House and Senate Democrats also includes potentially any “limited access highway” meaning Routes 2 and 9 and the creation of an independent transportation authority to set rates and toll locations.

We should focus on making our state more affordable, not more expensive. These proposals would impose a huge new tax on residents, hitting commuters, self-employed workers, small businesses and working families the hardest. It has been estimated that over 60% of the potential toll revenues would come out of our pockets.

Republicans have laid out an alternative, “Prioritize Progress” to fund our transportation goals by utilizing existing resources and staying under strict bonding caps.

Anyone who was unable to make it and would like to learn more should visit www.cthousegop.gov/tolls. Tolls are far from a done deal and there is time to make your voice heard!

Irene Haines

34^th District – East Haddam, East Hampton & Colchester