Owner-Operators United Urges Connecticut Governor Jodi Rell to Stop Fuel Tax Increase

Dan Little, President of Owner-Operators United (OOU) has written a letter to Connecticut Governor Jodi Rell urging her to use her power and position to stop the proposed increase in fuel taxes scheduled to take effect on July 1. This increase was passed by the Connecticut legislature prior to the recent surge in fuel prices to automatically adjust the state tax on fuel. The increase will be about 3-4 cents per gallon on gasoline and 7.7 cents per gallon on diesel fuel.

The OOU represents truck drivers in all 50 states and is focused on supporting activities and monitoring legislation on behalf of small to medium sized companies as well as independent drivers and owner-operators who's voices are sometimes not totally and completely represented by the larger trucking associations. The OOU was recently incorporated by Dan Little as a non-profit association and has attracted a significant following from truckers. Little has appeared on a number of radio talk shows that focus on trucking issues and also appeared on a CNN segment concerning the recent call for a nationwide truck shutdown.

Little stated in his letter that the proposed increase will economically disadvantage truckers that are already reeling from high diesel fuel prices. Little recounted Governor Rell's recent veto of legislation that attempted to raise the minimum wage in Connecticut. Rell stated in part that the increase in the minimum wage would reduce hiring in the state and"undermine the already fragile foundation of financial security for thousands of families." The OOU took the position that the increase in the fuel tax will have much the same effect as trucking companies already burdened by high fuel costs will have to offset this additional tax through a number of measures that will be economically disadvantageous to all. The complete text of the letter is available on the OOU website.

Governor Rell has expressed support for delaying the proposed legislation, but has added a caveat that will require the legislature to find savings or other revenue to make up for the loss of $25 million in taxes. The OOU on their website has urged their membership to provide their thoughts on the tax increase in an effort to prevent the implementation and they are exploring other alternatives such as a potential boycott should the increase take effect.

At least one other trucking website (TruckerToTrucker.com) is addressing this issue directly and has posted an Internet link to the office of the Governor so that truckers might voice their opinions and concerns.