House Republican Press Release

 

 

 

June 2, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

 

Belden Applauds Veto of Flawed House Democrat Budget

 

HARTFORD- Representative Dick Belden (R-113) today applauded Governor M. Jodi Rell for vetoing a House Democrat budget plan which was sold as a tax cut for 95% of residents, but in fact offered cuts to a small number, while increasing other taxes that will be paid by every man, woman and child in Connecticut.  The non-partisan Office of Fiscal Analysis confirmed this week that the Democrats’ numbers were false.

 

With the state having a nearly $900 million budget surplus, Democrats offered a plan that increased spending by 10.5%, or $1.6 billion, and raised taxes by $1 billion. Since it was out of balance, they would have needed to raise taxes even further down the road.

 

Their budget also dropped the sales tax exemption on clothing under $50, and eliminated the once a year sales tax holiday on clothing under $300 during the back-to-school shopping season.

 

Ironically, after spending two weeks lambasting a proposal by the House GOP to provide a Gas Tax Holiday, eliminating the 25 cent per gallon tax on gasoline from Memorial Day until Labor Day, the Democrats included it in their proposal.  However, they voted against a Republican amendment last night that would have implemented the Gas Tax Holiday.

 

“It’s disingenuous,” said Belden.  “They called this tax relief a ‘gimmick,’ said it was only ‘pennies’ and suggested that lower gas prices support terrorism.  Then they turned around and included the measure in a tax package they knew would not become law so they can say they voted on it when their constituents want to know why they did nothing to help them.”

 

Belden noted that the Democrat tax package was not attached to any spending proposals.  “They want to raise all these taxes, and we have no idea why, or what they intend to spend all this money on.  Maybe now we can get serious in trying to pass a decent budget before the end of session on Wednesday,” he said.

 

This session of the Connecticut General Assembly concludes at midnight on June 6th.