State Representative Linda M. Gentile (D‑Ansonia/Derby) is responding to reports that Connecticut is moving toward a mileage tax — the idea of taxing motorists based on the distance they drive in their vehicles.
“Let me be clear, I am absolutely against any consideration of a mileage tax,” says Rep. Gentile. “Talk about such a tax is aimed at getting voters riled up.” Leadership in both chambers of the General Assembly insist they have no interest or plans to consider a mileage tax. “For the record, I have no interest or plans to institute a mileage tax, as well,” says Rep. Gentile.
Talk of a mileage tax began last year when the Governor’s Transportation Finance Panel recommended studying its potential implementation. ConnDOT applied for a federal grant ($300,000) to pay for the study, joining with Vermont, Delaware, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania. DOT officials say the mileage tax could be an option to raise revenues. Rep. Gentile says it is “a concept I cannot and will not support.”
