Tolls not the way to move Connecticut forward

An estimated 1,500 protestors gathered at the Capitol in May to rally against tolls.

To our state legislators:

As you are well aware, Gov. Ned Lamont is reportedly set to release a new transportation plan in the near future. Although we have yet to see the actual plan, news reports in the media indicate there are some positive changes in the administration’s overall approach to Connecticut’s future plans for transportation.

Patrick Sasser

However, we at No Tolls CT cannot reiterate enough that tolls for Connecticut’s roads or bridges are not the way to move our state forward. The latest poll results from Sacred Heart University show the public remains steadfastly opposed to tolls.

Tolling would raise the cost of living for Connecticut residents and this state cannot continue to tax its residents year after year under the mistaken belief that the state can tax its way to prosperity. Promises of a strong economy and a financially stable government through imposition of the (temporary)income tax, the Connecticut lottery and the casinos have fallen flat as we still face budget shortfalls and calls for more revenue.

In short, the trust between the public and its government in Connecticut is broken.

No Tolls CT has made our position clear, and we have the support of the general public. In the interest of finding solutions to Connecticut’s transportation issues and restoring public trust in the state’s ability to manage its costs, we propose the following measures:

• A forensic line-by-line audit of the Connecticut Department of Transportation.
• Restore the vehicle sales tax revenue that was diverted from the Special Transportation Fund.
• Limit transportation projects to those considered most urgent.
• Remove employee pension costs from the Special Transportation Fund.
• Reduce the administrative costs for Connecticut’s transportation projects.
• Limit bonding to that which can be supported with current revenues.

Connecticut will not be able to move forward until public trust in its government is restored. Before any additional tax increases can be imposed on the public — particularly tax increases related to transportation — the government must do its due diligence to ensure the state is spending the money it already receives from the public in a responsible manner and keeping its promises to the people of Connecticut.

We welcome discussion of these issues and ideas, but please know that we — and the people of Connecticut — remain steadfastly opposed to tolls in any way, shape or form and No Tolls CT will continue our grassroots campaign opposing these measures. This is not the time to impose yet another costly burden on Connecticut families.

Patrick Sasser is the founder of No Tolls CT.

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