Rep. Zullo Votes Against “Intentionally Vague” Toll Legislation

HARTFORD – State Rep. Joe Zullo said that his colleagues on the other side of the aisle should have voted down a tolls proposal presented yesterday to the Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee that, according to reports, was presented in an “intentionally vague” manner.

“The highway tolling bill, known as H.B. 7202, is entirely lacking in detail and was reportedly presented to the committee in an ‘intentionally vague’ manner. It was absolutely unrealistic, and quite frankly insulting, to expect legislators to vote on a $900 million dollar tolling proposal when that proposal did not specify the number of gantries proposed, the specific locations of gantries, tolling rates, or exemption and discount amounts.”

Zullo added, “I understand that bills are often ‘works in progress.’ However, a bill proposing to impose $900 million in new tolling fees should, at a minimum, be substantially complete before it receives committee consideration. Anything less for a bill of that magnitude and importance is unacceptable, period.”

Zullo concluded, “With less than a month till the end of session, residents and legislators remain completely in the dark. We all deserve to know every single detail of the plan. Unfortunately, I don’t think any of us will be given that courtesy.”