[JayCT]

Looks like the state's budget issues are improving with the State Comptroller projecting a $164 million surplus. Let the debating begin. Jay

http://www.osc.ct.gov/public/pressrl...cialUpdate.pdf

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

How much would it be without the .04/gallon tax hike on gas coming in a few days?

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by Stratford, Ct. Resident

How much would it be without the .04/gallon tax hike on gas coming in a few days?

They should rescind it with this new news. But they won't.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by Stylo

They should rescind it with this new news. But they won't.

There has not been an increase in the gas tax in ages (it was actually dropped several years ago). Unlike a percent tax, the revenues from a fixed tax like this is stagnant so there is no increase in the amount the state gets as gas prices rise. On top of this, gas use is dropping so there is less money going into the state's highway fund. With everyone here saying we should be doing more to improve our roads, how do you propose we pay for improvements and roadway maintenance? Sorry but I think the tax should go up. It is long overdue. Jay

[mlassoff]

All credit to the Republicans in the legislature, right?

Or, it's Not a real surplus, right?

[Wilton2ParkAve]

Funny Mlassoff. Its amazing how the state ran a surplus each and every year prior to having an income tax (1981). You and the libs can take the credit- since you pushed through the largest tax hike in state history which drove us back in the black. We could have also just cancelled the transit way for the same effect. The tax hike hasn't helped out state economic though since we are the only state that contracted in 2012.

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

Originally Posted by JayCT

With everyone here saying we should be doing more to improve our roads, how do you propose we pay for improvements and roadway maintenance? Sorry but I think the tax should go up. It is long overdue. Jay

Correct me if i'm wrong, but i was under the impression that the proceeds from gross receipts taxes on fuel are placed in CT's General Fund. The gross receipts tax is what is being increased.

FYI: Today is the 30th anniversary of the Mianus River Bridge collapse.

[mlassoff]

Originally Posted by Wilton2ParkAve

Funny Mlassoff. Its amazing how the state ran a surplus each and every year prior to having an income tax (1981). You and the libs can take the credit- since you pushed through the largest tax hike in state history which drove us back in the black. We could have also just cancelled the transit way for the same effect. The tax hike hasn't helped out state economic though since we are the only state that contracted in 2012.

We had no Republican governors since 1981?

I thought the busway was Federally funded? Or at least partially? I'm not a fan of that one either...

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

Originally Posted by Wilton2ParkAve

Funny Mlassoff. Its amazing how the state ran a surplus each and every year prior to having an income tax (1981). You and the libs can take the credit- since you pushed through the largest tax hike in state history which drove us back in the black. We could have also just cancelled the transit way for the same effect. The tax hike hasn't helped out state economic though since we are the only state that contracted in 2012.

Originally Posted by mlassoff

We had no Republican governors since 1981?

I thought the busway was Federally funded? Or at least partially? I'm not a fan of that one either...

It was 1991, not '81. And the governor was a Republican turned independent.

[mlassoff]

Originally Posted by Stratford, Ct. Resident

It was 1991, not '81. And the governor was a Republican turned independent.

so Rowland and Rell were Democrats?

Originally Posted by Wilton2ParkAve

ran a surplus each and every year prior to having an income tax

I'm just point out we've had some Republican stewardship since then-- since some like to place blame solely on us "libs"...