Linda Listens: Who’s Carrying the Tax Burden in Berlin & Southington?

When I talk with people in Berlin and Southington, I hear a lot about the cost of living—and understandably, people want to know what can be done to keep property taxes from continuing to rise.

I believe one important part of that conversation is often overlooked: what happens in Hartford affects what happens at home.

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Our towns are responsible for providing the services we rely on every day.

We need good public schools. We need safe roads, police and fire protection, parks, libraries, senior services and other essential municipal services. Those things cost money.

And in Connecticut, a significant portion of that money ultimately comes from local property taxpayers.

Here is the part of that conversation that often gets overlooked:

The working and middle class are already carrying a significant share of the cost of the services we all depend on.

That is why state funding matters.

When Connecticut has stronger revenues and a healthy budget surplus, we have an opportunity to invest more in our communities. Rather than forcing every town to shoulder the entire burden locally, the state can help support education and municipal services.

That is exactly the opportunity we have right now.

Connecticut's FY2027 budget provides an additional $193 million in supplemental education funding for towns and cities, along with more than $100 million in additional municipal assistance. Every school district and municipality in Connecticut is receiving additional state funding under the new budget.

I see this as an opportunity—to use our state's strong fiscal position responsibly.

We can invest in our communities while also being mindful of the pressure property taxes place on homeowners. Those goals should not be in conflict.

I am concerned that 21 members (out of 187 legislatures!) voted against this state budget, including my opponent, Rep. Donna Veach. That vote meant voting against additional state funding for Connecticut municipalities—including approximately $657,000 in new funding for Berlin.

That vote against the state budget was essentially a vote for higher taxes.

A state surplus means having the flexibility to make smart investments, provide meaningful support to our towns, and give municipalities more options than simply asking local property taxpayers to pay more.

That is the balance I want to bring to Hartford: invest in our schools and communities, protect essential services, and be responsible with taxpayers' money.

Connecticut's stronger financial position gives us an opportunity to do exactly that. I believe we should use it wisely—for our towns, our families and the future of Connecticut.