House Republican Press Release

May 1, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. DelGobbo: Appropriations Committee Abdicates Responsibility to Pass Honest Budget

Passes $2 Billion in Additional Spending Not Included in Budget Approved Earlier

The Appropriations Committee abdicated its responsibility to pass an honest budget Monday when it approved more than $2 billion in additional spending that was not included in the original two-year budget the committee passed a few weeks ago, state Representative Kevin M. DelGobbo said today.

“A few weeks ago, the Democrat-controlled Appropriations Committee passed a budget that calls for spending about $17.8 billion in 2008 and $18.7 billion the following year. That amounted to an increase of $1.6 billion in the first year and $500 million in the second year or a 13.7 percent increase over two years,” said Representative DelGobbo, R-Naugatuck, the committee’s House Ranking Member.

“Earlier this month, this committee passed a budget that will mean major tax increases for the people of Connecticut,” Representative DelGobbo said. “On Monday they approved spending bills amounting to more than $2 billion in spending above and beyond what was included in the original spending package, an action I believe is an abdication of its responsibility to approve an honest budget. Unfortunately, this is a clear example of how this legislature is being absolutely mismanaged. The majority is making all kinds of promises at taxpayer expense that it knows full well it cannot keep."

“Instead, the Democrat majority waited until Monday to approve several spending bills individual members wanted so they could tell certain special interest groups the measures they wanted are moving forward,” Representative DelGobbo said.

The committee also approved measures that would further damage Connecticut’s business climate, Representative DelGobbo noted. “It is unfathomable to me why this legislature continues to drive business and jobs out of this state,” he said.

There were 45 items on the committee’s agenda for Monday, including numerous bills on the same subject, Representative DelGobbo said.