CT Legislators Seek Special Session on Grocery Tax

HARTFORD, CT – Yesterday, Senator Tony Hwang (R-28) joined his Republican colleagues who called on Democrat lawmakers to join them in signing a petition to call the legislature into a special legislative session to stop the grocery tax contained in the Governor Lamont’s and Democrat state budget set to go into effect October 1, 2019. 

Despite Democrats’ claims that a special session is not needed to stop the tax, a special session is the only way to change the law and protect taxpayers from this tax. 

“Though the Governor has called on the Department of Revenue Services to re-interpret Public Act 19-117 and to issue a Policy Statement to supersede Policy Statement 2019(5), such executive action is incomplete and inadequate.  Moreover, it is a dangerous precedent to set to allow legislation to be reinterpreted during closed-door meetings of the executive branch,” Republican leaders Senator Fasano and Representative Klarides wrote to Democrat legislative leaders today.

Republican lawmakers have also said that changing the law in a special session before October 1, 2019 is the only way to ensure the tax policy is clear not only today, but for all future years to come under future legislatures and governors.

“This grocery tax is a direct and onerous shot at our seniors, middle class and a virtual tax increase on every CT resident who depends on prepared foods,” said Sen. Hwang. “Many people in my district and throughout Connecticut  - especially people on a tight or fixed income—have been telling me that this new grocery tax will put an additional cost burden in their monthly budget. At the expense of other important and critical needs like rent, healthcare and child related costs.  Any justification to not go into special session to properly correct this taxing error, is the height of arrogance and ignores our legislative process.  I am proud to sign the petition to call us into special session to repeal this new tax before it goes into effect on October 1st and I ask my fellow Democrat colleagues to join me in addressing and correcting this state budget error.” 

Lawmakers can call themselves into a special session of the General Assembly by submitting petitions to the Secretary of the State. A majority of lawmakers in both the Senate and House of Representatives (50% of lawmakers plus one in each chamber) must submit petitions. 

D
Submitted by Darien, CT

Become a Local Voice in Your Community!

HamletHub invites you to contribute stories, events, and more to keep your neighbors informed and connected.

Read Next