tarabell
08-29-2007, 02:32 PM
CT already exempts sales tax on hybrids, now cities can also start giving property tax exemptions in 2008. (http://www.courant.com/news/local/hc-hybrid0826.artaug26,0,5612030.story)
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Saturn_VUE_Greenline_-_Rear.jpgRegine Labossiere – The Hartford Courant – August 26, 2007
In the spirit of going green, several local officials across the state are pushing for their cities and towns to approve a tax exemption for residents who drive hybrids and conventional vehicles that get at least 40 miles per gallon.
"We believe taxpayers deserve tax relief across the board, but we also want to promote hybrid cars to encourage good environmental policy," said Matt Peak, a Republican on the Manchester Board of Directors who recently recommended the board review the tax exemption policy.
The push by Peak - and officials in a handful of communities including Vernon and Weston - comes a couple of months after the state legislature approved a plan that allows cities and towns to decide whether to give the tax breaks and to what extent.
"One of the beliefs that we have is that people will consume what's in their best interest. Hybrids have the best opportunity to change driving patterns. With gas prices going up, there will come a time where hybrids' fuel consumption just makes economic sense," Peak said.
The tax break chatter is at a minimum right now because the legislation, which goes into effect Jan. 1, was approved only recently. But interest is expected to grow as more people learn of the opportunity, said Weston First Selectman Woody Bliss, who is promoting the policy in his town.
As chairman of the environmental management committee of the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, Bliss worked with state legislators to create the bill. He also worked on a similar bill that was proposed but not approved in 2004.
According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, a nonprofit group that researches and develops environmentally friendly policies, more than 40 states in the last several years have enacted or considered laws that give breaks for hybrid cars and have given municipalities similar power.
From California to Arkansas, Montana to Massachusetts, and cities within them, hybrid drivers get tax credits, exemptions, reductions or deductions. In some states, hybrid car drivers can use the carpool lanes without any other passengers, and in some cities, like New Haven, drivers get free or discounted parking.
http://www.courant.com/news/local/hc-hybrid0826.artaug26,0,5612030.story
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Saturn_VUE_Greenline_-_Rear.jpgRegine Labossiere – The Hartford Courant – August 26, 2007
In the spirit of going green, several local officials across the state are pushing for their cities and towns to approve a tax exemption for residents who drive hybrids and conventional vehicles that get at least 40 miles per gallon.
"We believe taxpayers deserve tax relief across the board, but we also want to promote hybrid cars to encourage good environmental policy," said Matt Peak, a Republican on the Manchester Board of Directors who recently recommended the board review the tax exemption policy.
The push by Peak - and officials in a handful of communities including Vernon and Weston - comes a couple of months after the state legislature approved a plan that allows cities and towns to decide whether to give the tax breaks and to what extent.
"One of the beliefs that we have is that people will consume what's in their best interest. Hybrids have the best opportunity to change driving patterns. With gas prices going up, there will come a time where hybrids' fuel consumption just makes economic sense," Peak said.
The tax break chatter is at a minimum right now because the legislation, which goes into effect Jan. 1, was approved only recently. But interest is expected to grow as more people learn of the opportunity, said Weston First Selectman Woody Bliss, who is promoting the policy in his town.
As chairman of the environmental management committee of the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, Bliss worked with state legislators to create the bill. He also worked on a similar bill that was proposed but not approved in 2004.
According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, a nonprofit group that researches and develops environmentally friendly policies, more than 40 states in the last several years have enacted or considered laws that give breaks for hybrid cars and have given municipalities similar power.
From California to Arkansas, Montana to Massachusetts, and cities within them, hybrid drivers get tax credits, exemptions, reductions or deductions. In some states, hybrid car drivers can use the carpool lanes without any other passengers, and in some cities, like New Haven, drivers get free or discounted parking.
http://www.courant.com/news/local/hc-hybrid0826.artaug26,0,5612030.story