EAST HARTFORD, Conn. – A proposal to extend Connecticut’s gas tax exemption is gaining support from politicians on both sides of the aisle.

The state’s 25-cent gasoline excise tax is reduced April 1 through June 30. It was passed in both the House and Senate and signed by the governor in March as fuel prices rose due to the war in Ukraine.

The proposal would extend the vacation for another five months until November.

“As you know, I have expressed concern over time that we also have additional expenses from the transportation fund. With the federal money, the infrastructure money coming in, we have to be able to pay our share. I think we have the reserves to do that,” Gov. Ned Lamont said Wednesday.

Drivers shared with FOX61 that they like the idea of ​​extra relief at the pump, especially as gas prices rise again.

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“Honestly, I wish it was a little over 25 cents. I missed it when it was around two dollars,” said Haweya Dirir of West Hartford. “I totally approve. I wish it was longer.

Elana Plenby said the savings help commuters like her save money to get to and from work.

“My thoughts are absolutely that I would very much appreciate it,” Plenby said.

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Similar posts from Trevor Coscia of Torrington said the price increase is not helping the wallet. He said any economy is great.

Republicans and Democrats agree that more relief is needed.

In a statement to FOX61, Democratic Senator Martin Looney of New Haven said, “The gas tax exemption has provided Connecticut drivers with real relief from Putin’s price hike. This tax relief has been a benefit to middle class and working class families and I think it is important to continue the 25 cents per gallon price reduction throughout the summer and fall. , when gasoline prices could remain high. »

“Connecticut absolutely needs to expand the gas tax cut, but Republicans believe it needs to be extended further and extended to diesel. The tax relief can’t end there. CT Republicans have proposed extend the gas tax cut through the end of the year, as well as cut the sales tax, cut the income tax rate for working and middle-class families, and a long list of tax relief totaling more than $1.2 billion. Inflation is now crushing CT families; they deserve far more relief than Democrats are willing to give,” said the Republican leader of the Senator Kevin Kelly of Stratford in a statement.

“While I’m glad the extension of the gas tax cut Republicans proposed last week found their way into their budget proposal, the fact that they continued to ignore the far-reaching impact the high price of diesel is disconcerting. It’s a drag on the economy, affecting not only household budgets, but also the finances of the companies that provide the goods and services we depend on. We have a huge financial cushion in this state, but Democrats, in their behind-the-scenes budget deliberations, could not stomach the $38 million needed to provide a 20-cent reduction in the price of diesel per gallon through the end of the calendar year,” Republican Rep. Vincent Candelora of North Branford said in a statement.

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Diesel fuel was not included because most trucks come from out of state and the goal was to help out-state residents, the governor said. Truckers have felt left behind that there has been no relief for them as prices rise.

“I’m glad it’s benefiting car owners because a lot of people have to go to work every day,” said Mark Nixon, owner of Starks Express in East Hartford. “I thought it would be great, but I didn’t think they were going to include trucks. They do not include in-state trucks.

Nixon said the price of diesel is above $5, a jump of more than 50%. He said it can cost around a thousand dollars to fill a tank and the prices continue to rise.

He said the aid would not only help people like him, but also consumers. When the cost of transporting items increases, the consumer also pays more.

“I would be nice if they could do something for Connecticut truckers because that just gets passed down to the customer,” Nixon said. “We just have to pay. And I pulled the trucks off the road. I am not currently hiring drivers and have put four of my trucks up for sale. I just can’t make any money.

Vacations cost the state about $30 million a month. If extended for another five months, it would cost $240 million. The legislature must vote on it before the end of the session on May 4.

Tony Black is a multimedia reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter and instagram.

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