Connecticut AFL-CIO Endorses Tolls

Anyone driving on Connecticut’s roads can see that our transportation system needs repair. A modern transportation system is vital to our state’s economic growth and prosperity. In order to repair and build out our transportation system, a reliable and long term funding source needs to be secured. Electronic tolling, estimated to raise $800 million dollars per year, is an issue under consideration at the legislature and promoted by Governor Lamont.  

The Connecticut AFL-CIO Executive Board discussed whether to support electronic tolling at our May 21st meeting. The Connecticut State Building and Construction Trades Council has strongly endorsed electronic tolling because of the opportunities for state residents to go to work building and repairing our transportation system. The Executive Board, after weighing all the issues, voted in favor of this resolution:

WHEREAS, a modern transportation system is vital to Connecticut’s economic growth; and

WHEREAS, currently, Connecticut has among the most poorly rated roads of the 50 states and 33% of our bridges are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete; and

WHEREAS, current revenue streams supporting the Special Transportation Fund are not sufficient to fund our transportation needs today and in the future; and

WHEREAS, every state on the eastern seaboard has tolls and Connecticut is a gateway to New England; and

WHEREAS, 40% of the revenue collected from tolls will come from out-of-state drivers and truckers, and

WHEREAS, funding transportation from toll revenues is protected by the state’s constitutional lock box and federal law; and

WHEREAS, the Governor has proposed discounts or credits for CT E-Z pass holders, for “frequent users” such as commuters and for low income families; and

WHEREAS, implementation of tolling is an opportunity to reduce greenhouse gases and air pollution with “congestion” pricing (higher tolls during heavy traffic peak times) that leads to improvements in traffic systems and with the Governor’s proposal to lower public transportation fees to encourage ridership; and

WHEREAS, the Connecticut State Building and Construction Trades Council and its affiliates have already strongly endorsed tolls because of the opportunities for state residents to go to work building and repairing transportation systems that will lead to a healthier economy and better transportation for everyone; so

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Connecticut AFL-CIO support electronically tolling in our state that:

• Secures reliable, long-term funding to repair and build transportation infrastructure that is central to strengthening our state’s economy,
• Grows jobs for Connecticut’s residents,
• Contributes to a greener, more environmentally healthy state, and
• Provides discounts to resident frequent users and low income drivers.

THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Connecticut AFL-CIO educate members on the benefits of implementing electronic tolling in our state; and

THEREFORE, BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Connecticut AFL-CIO inform legislative leaders, the Governor’s office, and the public about its position and work towards passage of legislation supporting tolls.         

Adopted on May 21, 2019 by the Connecticut AFL-CIO Executive Board