NO TAX INCREASES: Republicans Propose “Confident Connecticut” Budget Plan to Fix Deficit

HARTFORD – Connecticut Republican lawmakers have heard your calls for no tax increases, no tolls, no education cuts, and no more irresponsible spending. So yesterday House and Senate Republicans unveiled a budget plan to correct all of these issues present in the governor’s proposal, which is the only other existing plan for the General Assembly to consider this year – a unique situation that our state has not faced in approximately 145 years. Our local State Representative Mark Tweedie (R-Glastonbury & Manchester) is in full support of the Republican plan, titled “Confident Connecticut,” that makes structural changes to sustainably right Connecticut for the long haul.

“This budget restores money for core social services, boosts education aid with a new funding formula based on enrollment, and creates stability for our towns and cities,” said Rep. Tweedie. “Most importantly, it closes the current projected $3 billion state deficit over the next two years without new taxes and without pushing state expenses onto municipalities or hospitals. In comparison with the governor’s budget, we also cut $313 million in spending, institute and abide by a constitutional spending cap and reduce borrowing. I am proud of the protection that this budget offers our elderly residents and families alike. It is a shame our budget was not allowed to be called for a vote, but I am happy that we were able to share our plan with all of you, whom we represent and crafted this budget for.”

“Confident Connecticut” gives Manchester approximately $2 million more in municipal aid than under current law in Fiscal Year 2018, and $4.4 million more in Fiscal Year 2019. Glastonbury would also be reinstated approximately $1.4 million that the governor wants to cut in Fiscal Year 2018, and $1.7 million in Fiscal Year 2019.

“Republicans have consistently fought against tax increases, but over the last six years the Democrat majority pushed through two of the largest tax increases on our citizens and job creators in our state's history,” Rep. Tweedie said. “Connecticut is facing a massive budget deficit – or rather, a permanent fiscal crisis – and the Democrats failed to even put forth a budget this year. That gave us the opportunity to pick up the torch, change the way Connecticut budgets and lead our state towards a fiscally sustainable future.”

Under the balanced “Confident Connecticut” budget:

• No towns receive less state funding in fiscal year 2018 than enacted in fiscal year 2017.
• Municipalities will not be required to assume a portion of the costs associated with teacher retirement. This will save towns from over $400 million in new financial burdens – a savings that multiplies significantly each year in the future.
• In 2018 all towns and cities will either be held harmless or gain more funding for educational needs.
• The small hospital pool will be preserved to protect funding for community hospitals, current hospital taxes will not be increased and hospital property tax credits that were eliminated in the governor’s proposal will be restored.
• Services like Meals on Wheels, Care4Kids, day services and employment opportunities for those with developmental disabilities, and mental health and substance abuse grants will be fully funded.
• The Republican “Prioritize Progress” transportation funding plan which dedicates $63 billion to transportation needs over 30 years without tolls or new taxes will be enacted.
• Duplicative government administrative functions will be consolidated, and certain functions will be privatized to best protect core services and enhance efficiencies.