House Republican Press Release

May 10, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

DelGobbo: Legislature Took Several Steps Forward

State Rep. Kevin M. DelGobbo characterized the recently-completed 2006 legislative session in the following statement.

“I believe the session ended with the legislature taking some small, positive steps forward on key issues.

“With respect to the state budget, the good news is that Naugatuck will see additional funding for local property tax relief, public school and special education funding.

“State funding that Naugatuck will receive includes $25,898,435 for education funding, $159,089 in adult education funding, $70,437 in nonpublic school transportation funding,  $545,952 in public school transportation funding, $221,636 in town aid for roads, $250,279 in local capital improvement funds, and a special $333,925 in a one-time property tax relief payment. A complete summary of the adjusted state budget can be found on the legislative website www.cga.ct.gov and by accessing the Office of Fiscal Analysis page.

“It is also noteworthy that Naugatuck school construction reimbursement funds have been authorized by the legislature. These include approximately $135,000 toward an estimated $200,000 expenditure to replace the windows in Naugatuck High School. Those were the original windows installed when the school was completed in 1959. This replacement project not only provides the school with working windows but also creates an opportunity for energy cost savings.

“Naugatuck also will receive approximately $340,000 in reimbursement toward the estimated $500,000 cost of installing new science labs at Naugatuck High School.

“This lab reimbursement is the result of special legislation that I had passed a few years ago to allow Naugatuck to recoup a portion of these construction expenses even though Naugatuck had not applied for the state reimbursement when undertaking the project.

“These funds do represent a welcome windfall for Naugatuck to use to help retire some school construction debt.

“Broadly speaking, I felt the state budget framework adopted by the legislature was the most reasonable I’ve seen in the last several years.

“I am extremely pleased with several tax cuts, including the phase out of the local property tax on manufacturing machinery and equipment and the elimination of the corporate income tax surcharge that was reimposed last year. Both will help stimulate business, keep Connecticut competitive and improve the job climate.

“It is also gratifying to see that most homeowners will receive a $500 property tax credit when they file their next state income tax return, up from $400.

“As someone who has fought vigorously for proper funding of the teachers’ pension system, I am happy that the legislature used $246 million of surplus to fully fund this year’s contribution to the plan. However, I was disappointed that the legislature fell far short of building a budget framework to insure full funding in future years.

“Saving at least $135 million in surplus funds in the state Rainy Day Fund is a good step, though the contribution is too small to insure future budget stability in coming years.”