Rep. Harding Reacts to Gov. Malloy’s Frivolous Spending

Report by Paula Antolini
July 18, 2018 2:54PM EDT

 

Rep. Harding Reacts to Gov. Malloy’s Frivolous Spending

Posted on July 18, 2018 by jpheasant

HARTFORD – Last night, Governor Malloy announced he will be imposing his power of executive order to request the Department of Transportation conduct a $10 million dollar feasibility study for the purpose of implementing electronic tolls.

In his statement, Gov. Malloy said “During this past legislative session, we heard time and again from legislators that they wished for more information regarding electronic tolling, including specific recommendations with respect to its possible implementation.”

“I would like to call on the Governor to utilize the 10 million dollars and help those in the 107th District who were devastated by the tornado in May,” Rep. Harding said. “These funds would be utilized far better by those in desperate need of help and support as opposed to studying an issue that would take countless dollars out of the pockets of hard-working residents who are already overtaxed.”

According to the Governor’s executive order, DOT will conduct the following:

• Prepare a comprehensive assessment for possible electronic tolling on I-95, I-91, I-84, the Wilbur Cross Parkway, the Merritt Parkway, and any other limited access highways as determined by the DOT Commissioner, which includes potential toll monitoring and specifies proposed toll charges;
• Explore potential ways to provide discounts, tax credits, or other value-pricing options to Connecticut residents while ensuring out-of-state drivers contribute their fair share;
• Explore plans that could reduce motor vehicle fuel taxes; and
• Study the environmental impacts of electronic tolling systems.

The Special State Bonding Commission is scheduled to meet at 10:30 a.m. next Wednesday, July 25th to approve funding requests submitted by Governor Malloy. As chairman of the commission, Gov. Malloy has the discretion to determine which items that are included in the bonding meeting.

 

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REP. STEPHEN HARDING

State Rep. Stephen Harding is proudly serving in his second term as the representative for the 107th General Assembly District covering Brookfield, as well as parts of Bethel and Danbury.

He is a member of the legislature’s committees on Finance, Revenue & Bonding and Judiciary. He was appointed to serve as the Ranking Member of the Environment Committee in the 2017 session.

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