Connecticut operators have finally been hit with collecting sales tax on carwash sales, including coin-op washes and vacuums. Our industry was thrown into this at the 11th hour with no opportunity for a hearing. The state of Connecticut created a $7 million impact number that Connecticut carwashes will generate for the state in new revenue. Just crazy! The CCA sales tax committee of Todd Whitehouse, Paul Ferruolo, Mike Shullman, Tony Setaro and Mark Curtis have been working diligently meeting with Legislators and representatives for the past several weeks pleading our case and educating Legislators in Hartford that this tax is an unfair burden and was no fairly implemented. At every meeting we attend we bring Paul’s coin box and a parking meter for a visual to show that we cannot collect this tax.
PJ Cimini, of Capitol Strategies in Hartford, our longtime lobbyist, has been excellent in getting us a number of key meetings with influential Legislators and representatives at the Capitol.
We now have a co-sponsored bill being introduced into the current session. We have great support in getting the coin-op repealed and put back on the exception list. We are currently the only coin-operated business that has to charge sales tax. The association has just hired Advocacy Solutions out of Rhode Island to spearhead a social media campaign titled “No Car Wash Tax.” This campaign is focused on three different markets, Waterbury, New Haven and Tolland. The reason for this is to keep our momentum going and to focus on the markets in which key legislators can best help our efforts. I reach out to all Connecticut operators to please join and send in your CCA dues. Our fight takes time and it takes money. We need the support of all Connecticut operators to help us win the repeal of this unfair tax.
Again, many thanks to Todd Whitehouse, Paul Ferruolo, Mark Curtis, Mike Shullman and Tony Setaro for their countless trips to Hartford and for their tireless efforts on behalf of our operators in Connecticut. These members have really gone above and beyond to help the CCA in this fight. We’re lucky to have them on our team!
Send in your dues today or do so online at www.wewashctcars.com. Also, keep checking the website and reading our eblasts for updated information on our fight. Together we can accomplish great things for the carwashers of Connecticut!
Bob Rossini
CCA President