‘Our Gas Will Cost the Most in the 48 Contiguous States’

When the state’s gas tax rises again by four cents on July 1, it will leave Connecticut in a position where consumers could be looking at the highest prices in the contiguous 48 states – but Meriden residents, led by former State Sen. Len Suzio, aren’t sitting back and just taking it.

A dozen residents came out in protest and many others in support Thursday evening at Danby’s Gas on East Main Street to protest the state’s $0.22 cent tax and demand that something be done before it rises again in July.

“We are trying to make people realize it isn’t the distributors or gas companies; it’s the state,” said Kevin Curry, co-owner of Danby’s Gas. “We are trying to raise public awareness, talking with customers and asking them to help send a message to legislators that it isn’t fair, it isn’t right and something needs to be done.”

As Suzio led an effort to get residents to sign a petition, Curry and Kevin Danby showed their support by lowering their prices to $3.44 per gallon of regular – the cost per gallon if the state’s $0.22 cent tax wasn’t in place.

Suzio, who began his efforts to combat the tax while working in Hartford, said he’s learned that if you are able to organize the masses, you can make a difference. And with the state’s tax to climb to $0.28 more than in Massachusetts and $0.20 more than in Rhode Island, he said it’s time for a change.

“Even though I’m not in the legislature anymore, it doesn’t mean I am powerless,” he said. “Taxes like this are crippling our economy and it’s time to influence a change."

What’s your take on the gas tax? Is it a good way to balance the budget or is a change needed? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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