Chris “Badger” Thomas RIGHT WING TRIBUNE–
A Connecticut state representative is proposing a 50-percent tax increase on ammunition, breaking new ground in the gun control debate.
Freshman Democratic Rep. Jillian Gilchrest from Hartford introduced House Bill (HB) 5700, which would enshrine the tax into state law, in late January. A companion bill has been introduced in the state Senate by Democrat Will Haskell, who recently became the youngest Senator in state history at the age of 22, NRA reports.
In a video posted to her Twitter page, Gilchrest, who is serving her first term in the General Assembly, described the tax as a “prevention measure.” Ammunition in Connecticut is currently taxed at the normal sales tax rate of 6.35 percent.
“We see this as a public health measure similar to what we’ve done in the state of Connecticut with increasing the tax on cigarettes,” Gilchrest said. “When we increase that tax we’ve seen a reduction in use. And so we want to continue Connecticut’s legacy of being a leader on preventing and addressing gun violence and we see this as another step forward in that direction.”
#Connecticut state Rep. Jillian Gilchrest @Jilchrest introduced HB 5700, which would impose a 50% tax increase on ammunition. This dreadful legislation punishes law-abiding citizens and makes it harder to learn how to safely use firearms.
#Connecticut state Rep. Jillian Gilchrest @Jilchrest introduced HB 5700, which would impose a 50% tax increase on ammunition. This dreadful legislation punishes law-abiding citizens and makes it harder to learn how to safely use firearms. pic.twitter.com/fuK07CrhDJ
— NRA (@NRA) February 5, 2019
Gilchrest’s bill was referred to the legislature’s finance committee. Sen. Will Haskell, D-Westport, joined her in introducing the measure. It has not been scheduled for a public hearing.
If they cannot get a federal tax on ammo, they will purse an individual state tax hike on all ammo.
Chris “Badger” Thomas is a Veteran who served our country as an Army Combat Medic.
GOD BLESS.