Gov. Lamont, lawmakers at standstill over possible toll deal

Gov. Ned Lamont met with lawmakers Wednesday to discuss a compromise on tolls in Connecticut.

News 12 Staff

Jun 19, 2019, 5:04 PM

Updated 1,766 days ago

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Gov. Ned Lamont met with lawmakers Wednesday to discuss a compromise on tolls in Connecticut.
Lamont says he's willing to consider limited tolls on specific projects, like adding a northbound lane to I-95 from Southport to Bridgeport.
The DOT says that addition could shave 22 minutes off a rush-hour trip. Lamont also presented the widening of exit ramps along I-95.
Lamont says no improvements are possible without at least some form of tolls.
"We've got to be able to pay for it, and I've got a lot of people in this building that don't like to make tough decisions," he says, "They certainly don't like to pay their bills."
Randall Klein, who runs a limo company, says he supports tolls because of all the money he spends on car repairs from roads that need to be fixed.
Lamont also offered to cut income taxes for middle-class families. Republicans say it's not enough for them to change their minds on tolls in the state.
"There was nothing in this meeting, at any point, that would change our position on not supporting tolls," says state Rep. Themis Klarides.
Lamont says lawmakers will be meeting next week on the issue. Republicans say they never committed to another meeting on the issue.


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