Tax Relief, Energy Assistance
State Representative Joe Gresko, (D)
121st Connecticut House District
Dear Neighbor,
As we head into the holiday season, we are reminded that many families in Connecticut are still facing added financial strain.
To continue our efforts in easing the burden on families, my colleagues and I today voted to extend sweeping tax relief for the state, provide additional funding for energy assistance programs, and continue premium pay for frontline workers.
How will this relief affect you?
$90M Cut in Gas Taxes
The current suspension of the 25-cent-per-gallon gas tax was set to expire on – November 30th. With numerous factors still causing increased gas prices, my colleagues and I voted to cut $90 million in gas taxes by extending the gas tax suspension for an additional month, then offering reduced gas tax prices through April 2023.
Gas Tax Schedule:
November 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022 –> $0
January 1, 2023 – January 31, 2023 –> $.05
February 1, 2023 – February 28, 2023 –> $.10
March 1, 2023 – March 31, 2023 –> $.15
April 1, 2023 – April 30, 2023 –> $.20
Free Bus Service
Free Bus Service was also scheduled to end on November 30th. The bill we passed extends the Free Bus Service through March 31st, 2023.
Because fares were halted in April 2022, collection must resume on April 1st, 2023, to remain compliant with federal rules
Energy Assistance
Every Connecticut family should have the resources they need to stay warm throughout the winter. I am proud to share that we approved $30 million in additional ARPA funding for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
My colleagues and I remain committed to providing any and all assistance we can to ease any added burden from Connecticut Families. To learn more and apply for energy assistance, go to:
https://portal.ct.gov/heatinghelp/Connecticut-Energy-Assistance-Program-CEAP?language=en_US
Learn More & Apply for LIHEAP
We also voted to increase funding for Operation Fuel, an additional energy assistance resource for qualifying low-income families. The increase in funding is sourced by requiring PURA to direct at least 95% of specified proceeds to Operation Fuel, which is expected to roughly double the resources available.
To learn more about Operation Fuel, or to apply for upcoming assistance beginning December 19th, please https://operationfuel.org/
Premium Pay for Frontline Workers
I was proud to support premium pay for the over 100,000 Connecticut workers who were on the front lines throughout the pandemic. Our goal is to provide the most low-income essential worker applicants with the majority of the financial aid.
As the year slowly ticks down, and we prepare for General Session in January, I am proud to see the work we could accomplish in a special session to assist families across Connecticut.
As always, please feel free to reach out to me at the Capitol at 800-842-0363 or email me at Joseph.Gresko@cga.ct.gov.
