(HARTFORD, CT) – Bob Patricelli and Jim Smith today released the following statement as business leaders gather at the State Capitol and the legislature’s Transportation Committee prepares to vote on several tolling proposals:
“As members of Connecticut’s business community gather at the Capitol today, it’s important to note that members of the legislature’s Transportation Committee have the opportunity to vote on proposals which will fundamentally support and enhance our state's economic competitiveness for decades to come.
“Everyone agrees that we need to repair our aging roads and bridges, speed up rail and support other modes of transportation, such as ferry and air travel, to best support our economic competitiveness and quality of life. The only issue is how to pay for it. The proposals that allow tolling in Connecticut will enable these upgrades and enhancements, with 40 percent of the revenue paid for by people who don’t live in our state. In addition, that funding is protected by both the state’s constitutional lockbox and federal law.
“As business leaders in Connecticut, we believe it’s critical to once again make our voices heard in the debate and dialogue around this crucially important issue. To get Connecticut growing again, we have to get Connecticut moving again.”
Robert Patricelli
Former co-chair of the Commission on Fiscal Stability and Economic Growth
Founder and Former CEO of Value Health, Evolution Benefits, and Women’s Health USA
Jim Smith
Co-chair, CERC
Former co-chair of the Commission on Fiscal Stability and Economic Growth