Tolls and Transportation Costs
Last week, over 200 residents from Enfield and across the region attended an informational forum on tolls held at JFK Middle School. We all agree that transportation is a necessity to economic growth; our challenge is how we fund it.
Tolling proposals aren’t just for I-95, the Governor has called for 50 toll gantries on I-91, I-84, I-95 and Rt. 15 and other bills passed by the Transportation Committee have the potential to extend tolling to any other “limited access” highways.
Additionally, the Governor plans on borrowing money from Wall Street against potential future toll revenues and it should be noted that two-thirds of that revenue would come out of our pockets. These proposals put forward by the Governor and Democrats in the legislature would hit Connecticut residents the hardest. Once the tolls are up and running it would amount to an over $600 million tax increase on in-state commuters.
This is nothing more than a massive money grab on our already over taxed residents. Working families cannot afford this added burden on their daily commutes and local businesses cannot bear the added expense. Additionally, local traffic on Routes 5 and 190 would certainly increase from drivers trying to avoid the added expense.
House and Senate Republicans have put forward a viable alternative called “Prioritize Progress.” This plan utilizes our existing resources, prioritizes needs before wants and operates under the newly imposed bonding cap. I would urge residents to visit www.cthousegop.com/tolls to learn more.
Tolls are far from a done deal and there is still time to stop it. I would urge you to join the Save Our State Rally at the Capitol in Hartford on May 18th and make your voice heard!
Rep. Carol Hall
59th District – Enfield & East Windsor