Our fees are out of control here in CT. At least one Rep. wants to see it reversed.
December 22, 2009
REP. HURLBURT CALLS FOR ROLLBACK OF HUNTING & FISHING LICENSE FEES
State Representative Bryan Hurlburt, who represents Ashford, Tolland and Willington in the Connecticut General Assembly, is calling for a rollback of last year’s 100% increase of fees charged by the Department of Environmental Protection for hunting and fishing licenses.
Hurlburt said the fees were doubled as a way to help close the state budget deficit, but that an outcry from residents has convinced him the increase places an unfair burden on sportsmen.
“Everybody is feeling the pain of this economy and everyone is being asked to share the burden of their state’s budget deficit, but the bull’s-eye on the sportsmen is a bit too severe,” said Hurlburt, who serves as Vice-chair of the Legislature’s Environment Committee. “I can support a reasonable increase, but a doubling of these fees is way too much.”
Approximately 180,000 Connecticut residents pay these fees each year. Doubling of the fees is estimated to generate an extra $4.3 million for the state. For example, on October 1 a resident firearms hunting license went from $14 to $28 and a resident inland waters sport fishing license jumped to $40 from $20.
Hurlburt wants the 100% increase on hunting and fishing licenses to be rolled back to only 20%. He is also suggesting some adjustments in certain motor vehicle infractions, such as raising fines for seat belt violations from $15-$25, to make up for the lost state revenue from the rollback. Seat belt tickets have not been increased since 1985.
Rep. Hurlburt is serving his second term in the state legislature representing the 53rd Assembly District. In addition to Vice-Chair of the Environment Committee, he also sits on the Judiciary and Higher Education Committees.
http://www.housedems.ct.gov/Hurlburt...-09.asp#122209