Jim Himes Statement on Chris Shays’ Support for Gas Tax Increase
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Businessman and Democratic candidate for Congress in Connecticut's 4th congressional district Jim Himes released the following statement today regarding Chris Shays' support for a gasoline tax:
"We are heading into a serious economic downturn in large part due to the failed economic policies of George Bush and Chris Shays. While we must take comprehensive measures to wean ourselves off of carbon-based fuels, now is simply not the time to be putting an even greater burden on middle class families by increasing prices at the gas pump.
"Our nation is weakened and our planet is imperiled by our unsustainable addiction to oil, and our infrastructure has deteriorated dramatically over the past two decades. In his 20 years in Congress, Chris Shays has never sought a seat on the Transportation Committee, or focused on the major transportation problems that affect us in Southwestern Connecticut. Now, in the face of recession, he turns to middle class families and asks them to bear the burden with a regressive tax.
"I support smart, innovative, and comprehensive economic and energy initiatives that will sharply reduce our dependence on carbon and promote alternative renewable energy sources. For long term infrastructure investments, I would consider creative proposals such as Senator Dodd's National Infrastructure Bank.
"I intend to be a real leader on transportation issues in Congress, not continue Chris Shays' twenty-year record of inaction."
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