February 26, 2015
State Representatives David Arconti, Jr. (D-109th) and Bob Godfrey (D-110th) opposed HB 6818, An Act Concerning The Establishment of Electronic Tolls at the State's Borders, in testimony presented to the legislature’s Transportation Committee.
In submitted testimony, Rep. Arconti said the measure could be devastating for Danbury. “Our economy thrives on Danbury’s 1.3 million square foot mall and a robust downtown business district, which is patronized by neighboring towns and many out of state consumers. An added toll would turn many of these valued consumers elsewhere.”
According to Arconti’s testimony, Danbury provides a large portion of revenue to Connecticut’s coffers through the sales tax, earning them a prominent spot within the top ten municipalities contributing the most to Connecticut’s economy through taxes.
Arconti said, “Implementing these tolls would decrease the growth of many of our high contributing municipalities. I have heard about the potential for millions of dollars in generated revenue because of border tolls and its beneficial financial impact on our transportation infrastructure. While I am in favor of supporting revenue generators to help erase our budget deficit and fund transportation projects, I do not agree it should be done on the backs of commuters, including Connecticut drivers. We have talked about this in the past, and have concluded it’s not a good idea.”
"Sadly, tolls, particularly border tolls are an economic assault on Fairfield county commuters and an economic assault on working class families,” said Rep. Godfrey. “Supporters of tolls see this as a way to shift the cost of all state roads to those who drive to work in New York State and back home every day. The increased costs of moving goods across state lines will pass onto consumers making Connecticut even more expensive to live in. We are not talking pocket change here, the discussion ranges around $4 and up -- each way. It's wrong."