By Charles Ferraro
State Rep., R-117
Charles Ferraro.
The 2020 legislative session is right around the corner, starting on Wednesday, Feb. 5. Compared to the odd-numbered years in the legislature, the even-numbered years are a short session generally focused on budgetary, revenue or fiscal matters.
The major issues that I believe we will be discussing next session will be transportation infrastructure, the legalization of sports betting and marijuana, the state’s budget deficit and structural budget reforms – just to name a few.
Last year, Gov. Ned Lamont and legislative Democrats tried pushing through nearly 82 toll gantries throughout the state. The majority party, after public outrage, scaled back their plan and now are pushing for trucks-only tolling, “for now.” The governor is insisting that there be a special session in January to vote on trucks-only tolling, but members of his party are saying he doesn’t have the votes. My colleague on the other side of the aisle, state Rep. Bob Godfrey (D-Danbury) said in a recent article with Patch that he doesn’t believe the governor has the votes for tolls.
“I think people and legislators don’t trust Gov. Lamont and his proposals,” Godfrey said. “I think that’s a real issue in people’s opposition to his proposal.”
Godfrey said the commercial trucks tolls will make consumer items “more expensive” as a result of the additional shipping costs.
I think Democratic Rep. Godfrey and I see eye-to-eye on tolls and trucks-only tolling. I don’t believe tolls are the answer and I will continue to speak out against them.
Lamont’s budget secretary recently announced that the state is again looking at a budget shortfall of more than $20 million and that “the governor is prepared to exercise rescission authority if necessary to mitigate against ending the year with an operating budget.”
Once again, our state enters a new year with a budget deficit and little hope that we won’t see one at the end of 2020.
I am urging the governor and the majority in the legislature to sit down with Republicans next session to find common ground and not rule our state by themselves.
I always remain optimistic about the future of our state and will be looking next year to find bipartisan solutions to move our state forward.
As always, feel free to contact me with any questions, concerns or ideas you may have at Charles.Ferraro@housegop.ct.gov or call 860-240-8700.