House Republican Press Release

April 24, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Litchfield County representatives laud Republicans’ ‘no-tax-increase’ budget proposal

In response to the crushing tax burden already weighing on so many Connecticut residents, House Republicans today unveiled an alternative budget plan that requires no new taxes, is balanced, and would save taxpayers at least $1 billion over the next two years without cutting state services.

Towns would receive additional state aid under the “No-Tax-Increase Republican Budget Alternative” with no increase in the state income tax. The Republican budget proposal also would begin to reduce other taxes, including the state income tax on senior citizen pension benefits. In contrast to the Democratic plan that would raise taxes a whopping $1.7 billion, the Republican plan would spare taxpayers an increase they simply can not afford. The budget proposal has passed muster with the non-partisan Office of Fiscal Analysis.

Reps. Miner, Piscopo and Ruwet noted that the Republican plan increases funding in key areas:

· School spending for every town goes up. Litchfield would receive an additional $226,292; Bethlehem - $101,228; Morris - $65,286; Warren - $50,716; Woodbury - $272,657; Burlington - $475,077; Harwinton - $167,849; Thomaston - $260,207 and Torrington - $1,477,593 under the Republican no-tax-increase proposal. 

· Medicaid reimbursements for hospitals are increased $100 million to expand health care access for thousands on Connecticut residents.

· Increased aid to municipalities

· Full funding of teachers’ retirement fund

· Tax credits for small businesses to assist with climbing health insurance costs

“This proposal continues to provide services to residents of this state without increasing taxes. We believe revenue estimates of the last 14 years have led us to unnecessary taxation and unbridled spending,” said Rep. Craig Miner (R-Litchfield), the ranking member of the legislature’s Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee. “This proposal will allow the leaders of this state to re-evaluate our tax and spending policies, while harming no one.” 

“Over the course of the last several months, I have heard from my constituents about the ever-increasing costs of living, and high taxes that are burdening them,” said Rep. Anne Ruwet (R-Torrington). “It’s time for us to offer a budget that the taxpayers can support.”

“This is not the time to be raising taxes on our residents. With a projected $600 million surplus and $1 billion in the Rainy Day Fund, taxpayers are obviously being pushed to the limit already,” said Rep. John Piscopo (R-Thomaston). “This budget also reduces taxes and helps small businesses, which will help spur our stagnant economy.”

For more details on the plan, visit http://www.HouseGOP.ct.gov.