Tag: Taxes

Connecticut Marine Trades Association Recognizes Heather Somers with “Honorary Crew Member Award”

Posted on by Heather Somers

GROTON — State Senator Heather Somers of Groton was recognized by the Connecticut Marine Trades Association this week with the organization’s “Honorary Crew Member Award” for her leadership in support of the state’s coastal businesses, workers and economy.

“Connecticut’s marine trades industry is vital to the prosperity of our coastal communities and the economic wellbeing of our state,” Somers said. “I am proud to champion policies to support this critical industry, including leading the fight to successfully eliminate the tax on boats, which helped make Connecticut small businesses more competitive and increase boat sales.”

See the full announcement from the Connecticut Marine Trades Association here:

Senator Somers Endorsed by Connecticut Charter & Party Boat Association

Posted on by Heather Somers

GROTON — State Sen. Heather Somers of Groton announced Thursday the endorsement of the Connecticut Charter & Party Boat Association.

“I am incredibly proud to say that after one term in office we have made tremendous progress toward giving our coastal communities, small businesses and independent operators the conditions they need to thrive,” Somers said. “I successfully fought to reduce taxes on boats, fuel and small businesses and have and will continue to fight for fair regulations that stop punishing our fishing community and protect their way of life for generations to come.”

The CCPBA endorsement was signed by the organizations officers, including President- Capt. Marc Berger, Vice President- Capt. Robert Wadsworth, Treasurer- Capt. Ted Karbowski and Secretary- Capt. Michael Pirri.

“The CCPBA is excited to Endorse Senator Heather Somers in the 18th District,” the organization said in a statement.

“Senator Somers has demonstrated her concern for our industry: she has fought for fair fisheries management, she fought to lower boat and diesel sales tax,” the statement continued. “Please join our Captains on November 6th and vote for Senator Heather Somers.”

The Connecticut Charter and Party Boat Association represents 30 Connecticut businesses operating more than 40 charter and Party boats, that bring people fishing and bring commerce into Connecticut.

A copy of the statement from CCPBA is below.

Connecticut Charter and Party Boat Association

President Capt. Marc Berger, V.Pres. Capt. Bob Wadsworth, Treasurer Capt. TJ Karbowski, Secretary Capt. Mike Pirri

Senator Heather Somers
Re: Endorsement for Senator Somers to the 18th District

The Connecticut Charter and Party Boat Association represents 30 Connecticut businesses operating more than 40 charter and Party boats, that bring people fishing and bring commerce into Connecticut.

The CCPBA is excited to Endorse Senator Heather Somers in the 18th District.

Senator Somers has demonstrated her concern for our industry: she has fought for fair fisheries management, she fought to lower Boat and Diesel Sales tax.

Please join our Captains on November 6th and vote for Senator Heather Somers.

Respectfully Submitted,
Connecticut Charter and Party Boat Association
President- Capt. Marc Berger
Vice President- Capt. Robert Wadsworth
Treasurer- Capt. Ted Karbowski
Secretary- Capt. Michael Pirri

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Letter: Somers got it right on boat taxation

Posted on by Heather Somers

Connecticut’s economy continues to struggle. We are fortunate to have a legislator like state Senator Heather Somers, R-Groton, who knows we need to take bold steps to turn this around.

Somers should be commended for her leadership in seeing that the sales tax on boat purchases is reduced to 2.99 percent starting July 1. This will be a shot in the arm to shoreline marinas and boat dealers who have been losing sales to Rhode Island. More boat sales will translate into greater economic activity to related shoreline businesses like restaurants, hotels and petroleum.

I attended the public hearing on this issue earlier this session held by the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee. Somers testified and I was greatly impressed with her knowledge of the issue and her presentation to the committee members. She adroitly handled the questions asked of her, and made a very persuasive case. Somers is a businesswoman by profession and she knows what it takes to meet a payroll and expand operations.

The lower sales tax on boat sales will help our shoreline economy. I want to recognize Senator Somers for her key leadership on this success.

Ron Helbig

Chairman

CT Marine Trades Association Inc.

Groton

Read the full letter to the editor here.