House Republican Press Release

April 24, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Republicans Propose ‘no-tax-increase’ Budget Alternative

In response to the crushing tax burden already weighing on so many Connecticut residents, House Republicans today unveiled an alternative budget plan that requires no new taxes, is balanced and would save taxpayers at least $1 billion over the next two years without cutting state services.

Towns would receive additional state aid under the “No-Tax-Increase Republican Budget Alternative” with no increase in the state income tax. The Republican budget proposal also would begin to reduce other taxes, including the state income tax on senior citizen pension benefits.

In contrast to the Democratic plan that would raise taxes a whopping $1.7 billion, the Republican plan would spare taxpayers from tax increases they simply can not afford.

Republicans noted that their plan increases funding in key areas:

· School funding for every town goes up under the Republican no-tax-increase proposal. 

· Medicaid reimbursements for hospitals are increased $100 million to expand health care access for thousands on Connecticut residents.

· Environmental clean-up programs will also get an additional $100 million.

“This budget is fair to the taxpayers of Connecticut, and yet does not include an income tax increase,” said state Rep. Penny Bacchiochi (R-Somers). “Given the already high tax burden and rising energy and gasoline costs, this budget is a responsible alternative for the legislature to act on.”