Politics & Government
Republicans Hosting "Rally For An Affordable Connecticut"
GOP Rally for an "Affordable Connecticut" to be held on June 25.
By Brian M. Johnson, The Bristol Press
June 17, 2022
Citing the rising cost of living due to inflation and high gas prices, local Republicans are hosting a “Rally for an Affordable Connecticut” Saturday, June 25 at the Mobile gas station on East Main Street.
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Members of the local Republican Town Committee and some local legislators will be at the Mobile Recharge Station at 136 E. Main St. from 11 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 25 holding up signs, encouraging passers-by to honk in support and seeking to raise awareness for their cause.
Se. Henri Martin said that the goal of the rally is to persuade the governor to call for a special session to find additional cuts in order to save money for taxpayers.
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“There is a lack of understanding on the other side of the aisle,” said Martin. “The state has taken money from constituents. In these times, with these massive increases in inflation, we should be giving it back. It is costing a lot more to live now than it did a year ago.”
Martin said that he feels that the legislature should be able to find a way to both pay down unfunded liabilities and still provide additional cuts for residents.
Rep. Bill Petit said that he encourages people to attend the rally and share their ideas.
“We are headed into a recession,” he said. “We have a surplus this year, but we are looking at a deficit for the next couple years as federal funding dries up. While I support cutting taxes to help out as much as possible, I think we need to do so carefully.”
Town Council Chair Kathy Pugliese said that the rising gas prices are one of the major reasons for wanting to find some expenses to cut.
“We want to raise awareness of the fact that the rising energy costs have been devastating to people,” she said. “What happens when we reach heating season? The problem will only be exacerbated. I’ve also heard that the cost of diesel fuel is set to rise by 9 cents a gallon. The increased costs of transportation will be passed along to the consumer.”
The Republicans have also set up a website where people can sign a petition.For more information, or to sign the petition, visit AffordableConnecticut.com
Brian M. Johnson can be reached at 860-973-1806 or bjohnson@bristolpress.com.
