Belsito Sends Legislative Leadership a Verbal Bashing

HARTFORD – The war of words between state Rep. Sam Belsito and House Majority Leader Matt Ritter has intensified.

Beltito, a Republican representing part of Tolland, sent out a statement on Thursday he said was in response to Ritter "calling out representatives of Tolland to vote for the House Democrat Budget proposal or be responsible for the governor’s education cut plan."

Standing at the Capitol on Wednesday, Majority Leader Ritter said that Tolland representatives should vote yes to the House Democrat budget proposal, according to Belsito.

"Ritter’s budget plan would benefit his district the City of Hartford, result in a major tax increase, and cut municipal aid to nearly every community," Belsito said. "The Majority Leader has spent months ignoring Republican budget alternatives and he and the Speaker of the House are the reason the governor is operating the state through executive orders. Majority Leader Ritter wants me to support their budget that will raise taxes over $1 billion, cut over $2.3 million in municipal aid to Ashford, Tolland, and Willington, and cost businesses millions? The last I checked, the four budgets the House Republican Caucus produced protected education and municipal funding without tax increases."

Belsito said it is "disappointing" that Ritter and other high-ranking legislators "ignored our proposals, gave the keys to the state’s finances to the governor, and are now starting to blame Republicans.”

Belsito continued, “Majority Leader Ritter only concern is making sure Hartford receives more funding and Tolland residents pay for it. I will continue to fight for the residents of Tolland, and will not support the House Democrat plan that asks taxpayers to pay more and receive less to benefit cities that can’t get their fiscal houses in order.”

Photo Credit: House Republicans