Greenwich Delegation Supports CT House Republican's Budget Plan

GREENWICH, CT — From Connecticut House Republicans: State Representatives Livvy Floren (R-149th), Mike Bocchino (R-150th) and Fred Camillo (R-151st) stand with fellow House Republicans as they introduce their budget proposal for the 2019 fiscal year, which emphasizes stability and predictability.

The Republican proposal fully balances the fiscal year 2019 budget and erases the projected $321.5 million
deficit. The plan would direct any revenue that exceeds the defined volatility cap toward the following three
areas in equal thirds: (1) the state employee retirement fund, (2) the teacher’s retirement fund (with $8 million of that earmarked for the retired teachers health fund), and finally, (3) the rainy day fund. The proposal fully funds the Special Transportation Fund, restores funding for the Medicare Savings Program, and avoids the governor’s proposed cuts to education funding and municipal aid.

"I think our proposal will get the conversation started for the 2019 fiscal year budget negotiations," Rep.
Floren said. "We need to erase the deficit, invest in transportation and education, address unfunded liabilities, and help our cities and towns. These items are all priorities, and best of all, they can be achieved if we work together. Although we may vary in our approach, we all have the same goal – a brighter future for our state."

"This is a fiscally responsible budget that manages to put any revenue surplus towards our unfunded pension
liabilities and the rainy day fund, rather than using it to increase overall state spending," Rep. Bocchino said.
"We must prioritize spending on transportation infrastructure, education cost sharing, municipal aid, and critical social service programs. State government cannot continue to live above its means, and this budget reflects that reality."

"Last year, the CT GOP budget was the first one to pass the General Assembly last year following months of
impasse, and more importantly, contained several much needed structural reforms," Rep. Camillo said. "This
year, we again came out and offered an alternative to the Democratic proposal, which follows last year's budget caps and puts money toward the state employee retirement fund, the teacher's retirement fund, and the Rainy Day Fund. That is fiscally prudent in any time, and especially so during an era of perpetual budget deficits. We pledge to again work toward a budget that is well thought out and forward thinking, not regressive and punitive."

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