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 tax increases they simply can not afford.

Republicans noted that their plan increases funding in key areas:

· School funding for every town goes up. East Granby would receive an additional $528,828, Suffield would get an additional $1,724,568 and Windsor would receive an additional $1,728,528 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.

“We Republicans recognize that the growth in government the Democrats have proposed is unsustainable and will lead to a dark and bleak economic future for our state. The Democrats act as though we live in a vacuum and are insulated against our competitors in our neighboring states, and the world,” said Rep. Richard Ferrari (R-East Granby). “This alternative proposal offers a different course that could get us back on track. It is not a cure all, but it would serve as a stabilizing force as we move forward.”  

House Republican Leader Larry Cafero (R-Norwalk) said, “The state can meet the needs of its citizens within existing revenues. It is irresponsible to increase taxes when we have no emergency and when we have consistently run a surplus for most of the past 15 years. ”