Rep. Zawistowski Votes No on Tolls
HARTFORD – On Wednesday, March 21st, State Representative Tami Zawistowski (R-61) voted against three proposed bills in the Transportation Committee that would install tolls on Connecticut highways including I-84, I-91, I-95, Rt. 15 and potentially any other limited access highway.
“I am disappointed, but I am not surprised that the committee voted to approve what amounts to a nearly one billion dollar tax increase. Residents have recognized that tolls would have a negative impact on the cost of living and increase traffic on our backroads,” said Rep. Zawistowski. “This session we have seen a clear pattern of targeting middle class and working families with tax increases from the Democrat majority in the legislature and the new administration. Each of these proposals would put tolls on I-91 and I-84 directly impacting commuters, businesses and families across north-central Connecticut.”
The committee voted on a party-line basis to approve SB 423 “An Act Concerning Funding for Connecticut’s Transportation Future,” HB 7280 “An Act Concerning Support for Transportation Infrastructure and the Creation of the Connecticut Transportation Finance Authority” and HB 7202 “An Act Concerning the Sustainability of Connecticut’s Transportation Infrastructure.”
Rep. Zawistowski continued, “I am especially concerned about language in the bills that would allow tolling on ‘any other limited access highway’, have plans ‘deemed approved’ in the absence of legislative action or create new and less accountable agencies.”
The Governor has predicted future insolvency of the Special Transportation Fund (STF) to justify tolls at the same time proposing to shift car sales tax revenue away from the STF to the General Fund. House and Senate Republican Caucuses have offered their alternative plan known at “Prioritize Progress.” Read more about the plan at www.cthousegop.com/tolls.