House Republican Press Release

February 8, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. Kevin DelGobbo Optimistic about Governor’s Proposed Budget Initiatives

NAUGATUCK—State Representative Kevin M. DelGobbo (R-70^th, Naugatuck) today said he is optimistic about Governor M. Jodi Rell’s proposed state budget initiatives for 2006-2007.

“Frankly, this is the best budget proposal I have seen in years.” said Rep. DelGobbo. “I am very excited to see a number of the budget proposals actually happen.”

“Obviously, I need to look at some of the details to make sure they add up,” said Rep. DelGobbo,” but many of the policy proposals she put forward are fantastic. Strengthening the economy is absolutely vital.”

Rep. DelGobbo, who has been critical of gimmicks and one-time revenue items in recent budgets, added, “I feel like I have been swimming against the tide. In recent years, I have been trying to promote budget policy that strengthens the economic base. I hope, for the good of the state, that the legislature as a whole understands how important this is.”

On specific proposals, Rep. DelGobbo said, “I am very pleased that the governor has included a proposal that I had made to reduce utility tax that people pay on their electricity and natural gas bills by 25 percent.”

He strongly endorsed the governor’s plan to eliminate the personal property tax on motor vehicles. He said, “Eliminating the tax on automobiles is absolutely fantastic.”

Several of the governor’s proposals include:

• Cutting Taxes: for Families, Businesses. The governor proposes to reform property taxes by eliminating taxes on motor vehicles and replacing the lost revenue to cities and towns with casino revenues. The governor proposes to cut taxes in the coming year by $294.5 million. In particular, she wants a 25 percent reduction in the state public utility tax on electricity and natural gas. Her budget would eliminate the 20 percent corporate income tax surcharge that was reinstated by the legislature last year. She also recommends several job-creating tax credits. 
• Honoring Constitutional Spending Cap: As I do, the governor wants to preserve the state constitutional spending cap that voters overwhelmingly approved in 1992. Her budget proposals would keep the state budget below the cap in both Fiscal Years 2006 and 2007.
• Revamping Economic Development Agencies: Gov. Rell continues to propose more accountable and responsive state government. Her budget provides funding for a new Office of State Ethics, more transportation financing as well as merging three quasipublic finance entities. She will provide one-stop financing for job-producing growth.

Rep. Kevin DelGobbo serves the 70^th Assembly District of Naugatuck in the state House of Representatives. He is ranking member of the legislature’s Energy and Technology Committee, as well as a member of the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee and the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee...