Groton Representative to Fight District's Budget Cuts

GROTON, CT - State Representative Christine Conley (D-Groton, Ledyard) announced Wednesday that she will work diligently to protect the 40th district from proposed budget cuts.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy proposed to shift one-third of the teacher retirement costs in the state of Connecticut to municipalities starting in fiscal year 2017-18 and to eliminate the property tax credit, according to a release.

A further look into the proposed budget revealed that Groton will receive the largest cut in the state, approximately $12.9 million. Ledyard's aide would be cut by $1.8 million.

"I will fight extremely hard to get the necessary funding for the 40th district because we can't function with this massive cut," Conley said in a release. "I will do everything I can to protect our communities, our schools, our children, our economy and our future. I plan on having ongoing discussions about this proposed budget to ensure Groton and Ledyard receive the necessary funding they deserve."

The property tax credit of $200 costs the state about $105 million a year with the majority of the tax relief going to those with less than $75,000 a year incomes.

"The proposal to eliminate the property tax targets the middle-class and low-income families. There are other ways to solve the budget deficit than to burden the working class," Conley said in a release. "My priority continues to be fighting for my constituents and their needs. For me, that means promoting job growth, encouraging economic development, making our state more affordable and fighting for working families and building a solid Connecticut for future generations."

If any residents wish to reach Conley about the proposed budget, they should email her (Christine.conley@cga.ct.gov) or call her at 860-240-8556.

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