Amy Morrin Bello

We passed an emergency-certification bill in the House that will ease some of the financial burden on Connecticut residents and working families whose wallets and budgets have taken a hit due to rising gas prices and record-breaking inflation levels.

We suspended the 25-cent-per-gallon gas tax from April 1st through June 30th, are offering free bus rides through June 30th and created an additional sales tax-free week on clothing and shoes under $100 in April.

We heard the calls from CT motorists who this week are paying an average of $4.33 for a gallon of gas compared to the previous national high of $4.11 in 2008 and voted to suspend the 25-cent per gallon gas tax through June 30, 2022 (on average, CT motorists pay about 70 cents per gallon in gas). We can implement the change without violating any federal or state rules and without any impact on our special transportation fund.

It is incumbent upon oil and gas companies to do the right thing by consumers and lower their prices. I hope you join me in calling on them to do so immediately. Today's bill implemented safeguards that will allow the state to go after the companies who do not lower their prices, but remember, if you see something unusual, say something.