House Republican Press Release

 

 

 

February 26, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

 

Rep. Hamzy Survey: Plymouth Voters Strongly Favor ‘Three Strikes’ Law; Exempting Pensions from CT Income Tax

 

Prohibition on Taxpayer-Funded Social Services for Illegal Immigrants also Widely Supported

 

A survey mailed to Plymouth voters by state Representative William A. Hamzy shows strong support for legislation requiring life sentences for repeat violent offenders who commit crimes such as rape, murder and home invasion, and for an exemption from the state income tax for pension and Social Security income.

The survey, which was mailed to Plymouth voters earlier this year, also found widespread opposition to allowing illegal immigrants to be eligible for taxpayer-funded state social programs and benefits, and strong support for a more equitable distribution of state education assistance to suburban and rural communities, said Representative Hamzy, R-78th District.

“I’d like to thank everyone who responded to my 2008 legislative survey,” Representative Hamzy said. “Your responses to these questions are very important to me. Your input gave me the guidance I was looking for in the weeks ahead as legislation dealing with these issues comes before me in my committees and on the floor of the state House. If you were unable to complete the survey but still would like to comment on these and other issues we will be addressing this year, please do not hesitate to contact my office and register your opinion.”

By a margin of 91.7 percent to  7.2 percent (1.1 percent left the question unanswered), Plymouth voters responding to the survey supported  mandatory life sentences for repeat violent offenders who commit crimes such as murder, rape, home invasion or arson, Representative Hamzy said.

Residents also strongly supported exempting retirees’ pension and Social Security income from the state income tax, with 92.2 percent favoring the proposal and 6.7 percent opposed (1.1 percent did not respond to the question), Representative Hamzy said.

On the issue of whether illegal immigrants should be eligible for state benefits such as fuel assistance, in-state tuition at state universities, colleges, or community colleges or for public housing, 91.7 percent were opposed, while only 7.5 percent favored the idea (0.8 percent did not respond to the question).

Respondents also solidly supported re-allocating state education assistance to suburban and rural communities on a more equitable basis (currently, the state's largest cities receive nearly one-third of all school funding but educate just 12 percent of all students), with 90.1 percent in favor and just 6.7 percent opposed (3.2 percent left the question blank).

Plymouth voters also voiced strong opposition to raising the state income tax if the state faces a budget deficit, with 88.8 percent opposed and 9.4 percent in favor (1.9 percent did not answer the question).

On other issues, Plymouth voters:

On the question of which of three local projects should be Plymouth’s top priority for 2008, residents were most supportive of a proposal to dredge Lake Winfield, with 42.2 percent favoring the project and 50.3 percent opposed (7.5 percent left the question unanswered).

On the proposal to complete the closing / capping of the Plymouth landfill, 34.0 percent were in favor and 59.4 percent were opposed (6.7 percent left the question unanswered).

On completing the Eli Terry Waterwheel Park, 38.2 percent were in favor and 56.4 percent were opposed (5.3 percent did not answer the question).

Representative Hamzy also can be reached toll-free in-state by calling 1-800- 842-1423, or via e-mail at william.hamzy@housegop.ct.gov