Governor Lamont signs legislation that cuts the gas tax and fare-free bus service, increases energy assistance and pandemic premium payments, and updates the bottle bill

Press releases

11/29/2022

Governor Lamont signs legislation that cuts the gas tax and fare-free bus service, increases energy assistance and pandemic premium payments, and updates the bottle bill

(Hartford, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont announced today that he has signed into law House Bill 6001A comprehensive bill that was approved by both chambers of the Connecticut General Assembly in special session yesterday expands on several cost-saving measures first approved this spring that could help state residents in the coming months. Will provide benefits and savings.

“I thank the legislature for their swift support on a bipartisan basis for this bill that is focused on helping make Connecticut more affordable for our residents,” Governor Lamont said, “We are extending the gas tax holiday a little further, providing energy assistance for those in need, and increasing the amount of money available for the Pandemic Pay program for essential workers who go to work every day during the pandemic. have come to do. , During the upcoming regular session, it is my goal to advance more policy changes like this one that will make a difference in the lives of the people who live here.

The law performs the following functions:

• gas tax cut: Extends the ongoing suspension of the state’s 25 percent per gallon excise tax on gasoline through December 31, 2022. Beginning January 1, 2023, the tax would go back at a rate of five cents per month over a five-month period. ,Connecticut is one of only three states in the country that currently has a gas tax suspension in effect.,
• fare free bus service: The suspension of fare collection on public transport buses continues across the state till March 31, 2023. ,This is the maximum date that complies with federal restrictions of 12-month periods for temporary public transportation pilot programs.,
• Enhanced Energy Support: Supplements this year’s $98.5 million of federal Low-Income Household Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) funding with an additional $30 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to the Connecticut Department of Social Services. This additional state-directed funding mitigates the impact of abnormally high energy prices and will help ensure that funds for the state’s energy assistance program (Connecticut Energy Assistance Program or CEAP) remain available to low-income households. Is.
• Increase in funding for the premium payment program: A $30 million supplement to the premium payment program, which is providing payments to employees needed for their service during the COVID-19 pandemic, with an additional $75 million, bringing its total to $105 million.
• update on bottle bill: Removes the effective date of recent changes in sections in the Beverage Container Redemption Program, commonly known as the Bottle Bill, to allow retailers, especially small retailers, to implement the prescribed changes. continue to sell their existing inventory without infringing. To be effective on January 1, 2023.

Twitter: @GovNedLamont

Facebook: Office of the Governor Ned Lamont