Gov't reeling in more
fisherman fees
Updated: Wednesday, 18 Feb 2009, 5:45 PM EST
Published : Wednesday, 18 Feb 2009, 5:44 PM EST
Story by: Tina Detelj
New London (WTNH) - Hard economic times are especially tough right now for shell fishermen. Because of the economy, clam sales are down and now a proposal to raise state fees threatens their livelihood.
"Putting another nail in the coffin," Fisherman Mike Theiler said. "There's no two ways about it."
The state is hoping to add a dollar to every bushel or bag of clams he hauls in. It's an increase he said won't add much to state coffers but will mean a world of difference to him.
"We're getting $12 a bag for chowder clams now," Theiler said. "If we add a dollar a bag clam tax that's almost 10 percent tax. We already pay lease fees."
He said the more fees fishermen pay, the more fishermen will be out of work.
In addition to adding to the cost of clams, fishermen say other fees could put them out of business.
They fear the cost of required lobster trap tags could go up while their tax breaks could be cut.
"Most of the fees across the board are going up," Theiler said. "I mean, the state's having a rough time as well."
Lawmakers are hearing from a number of people protesting proposed cuts the governor said are needed to keep the state running. Tough decisions and now a tough fight for fishermen lobbying for their livelihood.
"This is a farming operation. When you turnaround and start charging the apple orchards a dollar per basket of apples, where does it stop? Why does it start here?" Crismale said.
It's a question certainly posed to lawmakers during the hearing. The fee increase would go to support the state Department of Environmental Protection .
The governor's office said many of the proposed fees haven't been raised since the early 1990's. The proposed budget contains no tax increases or cuts to municipal aid.
fisherman fees
Updated: Wednesday, 18 Feb 2009, 5:45 PM EST
Published : Wednesday, 18 Feb 2009, 5:44 PM EST
Story by: Tina Detelj
New London (WTNH) - Hard economic times are especially tough right now for shell fishermen. Because of the economy, clam sales are down and now a proposal to raise state fees threatens their livelihood.
"Putting another nail in the coffin," Fisherman Mike Theiler said. "There's no two ways about it."
The state is hoping to add a dollar to every bushel or bag of clams he hauls in. It's an increase he said won't add much to state coffers but will mean a world of difference to him.
"We're getting $12 a bag for chowder clams now," Theiler said. "If we add a dollar a bag clam tax that's almost 10 percent tax. We already pay lease fees."
He said the more fees fishermen pay, the more fishermen will be out of work.
In addition to adding to the cost of clams, fishermen say other fees could put them out of business.
They fear the cost of required lobster trap tags could go up while their tax breaks could be cut.
"Most of the fees across the board are going up," Theiler said. "I mean, the state's having a rough time as well."
Lawmakers are hearing from a number of people protesting proposed cuts the governor said are needed to keep the state running. Tough decisions and now a tough fight for fishermen lobbying for their livelihood.
"This is a farming operation. When you turnaround and start charging the apple orchards a dollar per basket of apples, where does it stop? Why does it start here?" Crismale said.
It's a question certainly posed to lawmakers during the hearing. The fee increase would go to support the state Department of Environmental Protection .
The governor's office said many of the proposed fees haven't been raised since the early 1990's. The proposed budget contains no tax increases or cuts to municipal aid.
If we don't all (commercial and recreational fishermen) stand together and start contacting our elected officials who make all these stupid laws, we are all going to be out of jobs or unable to jump in your boat and fish for fun. The governmet is bailing everybody else out why not the fishermen????? So they keep on kicking our butts. I remember the when out charter boat license jumped from $25 to $250 a year. Frankly we all will be screwed in the end.