Rep. Verrengia Lauds Bipartisan State Budget

WEST HARTFORD, CT — (Contributed press release): State Rep. Joe Verrengia (D-West Hartford) praised passage of the bipartisan state budget ending Connecticut's fiscal crisis and mitigates state funding cuts for West Hartford.

“I am pleased we were able to stop what would have been over $24 million in cuts to West Hartford,” Rep. Verrengia said. “While not perfect, we were able to craft a budget that garnered bipartisan support and I look forward to the governor’s signature.”

Earlier this year, Governor Malloy proposed changes in education cost sharing (ECS) grants - the main source of state education funding for many towns. This, coupled with his proposal to require towns to contribute 1/3 of the cost of their teacher pensions, would have cost communities $400 million.

Lengthy negotiations between Democratic and Republican leaders of the House and Senate led to this budget agreement which includes elements proposed from all caucuses, avoids drastic cuts under the governor’s executive orders, and mitigates municipal aid that would have otherwise resulted in devastating impact to cities and towns.

They voted 126 to 23 in favor of a bipartisan state budget that places Connecticut in a position of fiscal stability and predictability. It refrains from increases to the income, sales, and corporate taxes and protects Connecticut’s social service and municipal funding programs making significant structural reforms. Several weeks into the new fiscal year, West Hartford would have faced draconian cuts in municipal aid and education funding.

The budget:

• Restores funding for scholarships for low and middle-income students
• Enacts a state spending and bonding cap
• Maintains the property tax credit of $200 for seniors and families with dependents
• Continues investments in job creation programs such as the Small Business Express, Manufacturing Assistance, Innovation Places and Brownfield Remediation
• Protects our community hospitals by maximizing federal funds

Joe Verrengia represents West Hartford’s 20th Assembly District. In addition to Chair of Public Safety, Rep. Verrengia serves on the Transportation Committee.

Image via Shutterstock