House Republican Press Release

January 3, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Mike Alberts Pushes Incentives for First Time Homebuyers

HARTFORD – Affordable housing, tax breaks for seniors, college graduates and volunteers, as well as improved health care access and a diversified energy policy that promotes conservation are top initiatives for State Rep. Mike Alberts for 2007.

Alberts, a Republican of Woodstock, outlined several priorities for rational, affordable public policy that places families over politics.

His initiatives focus on quality of life issues, the economy, the environment and health care. More details will be presented as the legislative session progresses, Alberts said.

“Our approach is producing positive changes for the people of northeastern Connecticut and the entire state. We believe government must play a role in our lives but not at the expense of personal freedom and responsibility. It is through common sense and rational thought that we will work to establish public policy and set the tone for debate,’’ Alberts said.

Some of the initiatives that Alberts and colleagues will be debate this session include:

· Creating Incentives for First Time Home Buyers. The state income tax payments made by recent college graduates who remain in Connecticut would be placed in an investment account and participants would have10 years to use for a new home purchase.

· Exempting Seniors’ Pensions from the State Income tax.  Pension benefits would be money for a first-time home purchase. “This proposal addresses issues of creating affordable housing, stemming the ‘brain drain’ spurring economic development, and enhancing home ownership, ’’ Cafero said. Seniors pensions would be exempt from state income taxes and senior volunteers would receive a local property tax break. “Our seniors need to feel more secure in their retirement years,’’ Alberts said. 

· Eliminating the Minimum $250 Business Tax.  To encourage business startups and new job creation  tax would be eliminated. “Mom and Pop stores pay the same penalty tax just for opening their doors as huge corporations. It’s not fair.’’

· Improving Access to Health Care. More health plans should be portable as people change jobs, particularly individuals who don’t purchase plans through an employer. There should be flexible health plans for businesses and insurance companies that are free of mandates for younger adults aged 19 to 26. The legislature must provide additional funding for long-term care facilities and expand health care access by committing more money to community health centers. 

Rep. Alberts said the agenda is affordable if the legislature manages state finances properly recognizing the volatility of the state’s revenue streams. He added that the entire list need not be enacted overnight.

“We look forward to working with Gov. Rell and the majority party Democrats who hold a veto-proof majority,’’ Alberts said.