HARTFORD – State Senator Henri Martin (R – Bristol) has been named the Motor TransportAssociation of Connecticut (MTAC) State Senator of the Year, MTAC announced today. Thisannual award is presented to a member of the State Senate who supports public policy whichallows the trucking industry to remain competitive in Connecticut.“Senator Martin is a strong supporter of the trucking industry,” said MTAC President JosephSculley. “As the Senate’s Ranking Member of the Transportation Committee, he has led the fightagainst putting congestion-price tolls on our interstate highways, which would have a devastatingimpact on the trucking industry in Connecticut. This is the kind of support our industry needs,”Sculley added.Sculley also credited Senator Martin with supporting proposals that would make it easier fortruck dealers to process brand new truck registrations in-house, just like car dealers do whenindividuals purchase a new car.“Senator Martin knows that trucking is critical to our economy. Everything we buy was on atruck at some point. So anything that impacts businesses in the trucking industry, whether it’sdelays in getting new trucks registered, or high taxes and fees, the effects will be felt throughoutthe economy,” said Sculley.Sculley pointed out that Senator Martin also realizes the trucking industry’s role in financing ourtransportation system. “He knows that out-of-state trucks do not get a free ride throughConnecticut. The pay their fair share, anywhere from $26 million to $30 million per year,through the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) and International Registration Plan (IRP)programs.” he said.Sculley concluded by highlighting the importance of the trucking industry. “More than 85percent of Connecticut communities depend exclusively on trucks to move their goods. Truckstransport 94 percent of total manufactured tonnage in the state. The average 18-wheel tractortrailer pays more than $17,000 annually in state and federal road taxes,” he stated. “The truckingindustry plays a crucial role in the Connecticut economy, and it pays a lot of taxes in order to dothat.”“We thank Senator Martin for supporting the trucking industry, and look forward to workingwith him for years to come.”# # #