Protesters hold anti-tolls rally at state Capitol

May 18, 2019 12:00 am • Last Updated: May 18, 2019 11:08 pm

State Rep. Laura Devlin addresses the crowd of anti-toll protesters in front of the Capitol Building, Saturday, May 18, 2019 in Hartford, Conn. Protesters have gathered outside the state Capitol to rally against a proposal to put electronic tolls on the state's highways. Demonstrators on Saturday called the plan another tax increase state residents can't afford. They held "no tolls" signs and wore "no tolls" shirts as they criticized Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont's plan to raise money for highway improvements. (Melanie Stengel/Hartford Courant via AP)

HARTFORD (AP) — Protesters have gathered outside the state Capitol to rally against a proposal to put electronic tolls on the state's highways.

Demonstrators on Saturday called the plan another tax increase state residents can't afford. They held "no tolls" signs and wore "no tolls" shirts as they criticized Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont's plan to raise money for highway improvements.

A Democratic-controlled legislative committee last week approved a tolling bill on a partisan vote of 30-20. Details are still being negotiated over the final number of tolling gantries, their location and discounts for state residents.

Republicans have countered with a plan for an additional $375 million in bonding annually over the next five years for transportation needs.

Lamont defended the tolls plan Saturday and said the Republican proposal includes excessive borrowing.

Tim Sullivan, of Vernon, Conn., dresses in a Grinch costume as he joins anti-toll protesters in front of the Capitol building, Saturday, May 18, 2019 in Hartford, Conn. Protesters have gathered outside the state Capitol to rally against a proposal to put electronic tolls on the state's highways. Demonstrators on Saturday called the plan another tax increase state residents can't afford. They held "no tolls" signs and wore "no tolls" shirts as they criticized Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont's plan to raise money for highway improvements. (Melanie Stengel/Hartford Courant via AP)

Protesters gather outside the state Capitol to rally against a proposal to put electronic tolls on the state's highways Saturday, May 18, 2019 in Hartford, Conn. Demonstrators on Saturday called the plan another tax increase state residents can't afford. They held "no tolls" signs and wore "no tolls" shirts as they criticized Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont's plan to raise money for highway improvements. (Melanie Stengel/Hartford Courant via AP)

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