House Republican Press Release

May 9, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. Richard Ferrari: Taxpayers have spoken – no tax increase

A Quinnipiac University Poll released on Wednesday, May 9 shows the House Republican “No Tax Increase’’ budget is overwhelmingly favored by state residents compared to either Gov. Rell’s proposal or the Democrats’ tax and spending plan.

The Republican “No Tax Increase” budget drew the most support among respondents with 42 percent saying they favored it. The Democratic proposal to increase spending by a whopping $2.1 billion received only 33 percent of those who responded, and the Governor’s across-the-board tax increase of 10 percent to pay for her education plan was supported by just 16 percent of respondents.

“I am gratified but not surprised that the people of the state are paying attention to the Republican ‘No tax increase’ budget alternative. The current proposals being considered, along with tax increases are clearly unsustainable. They almost guarantee budget deficits in the future and more tax increases to try to prevent a fiscal house of cards from collapsing under its own weight,” said state Rep. Richard Ferrari (R-East Granby).

“This poll validates what we have been saying since Day One. State residents should not have their taxes raised at a time when we have huge budget surpluses. Our Republican budget more than meets the needs of Connecticut when it comes to education, having a sound energy policy, health care coverage and protecting our environment. We can accomplish all this without raising taxes on anyone,’’ said House Minority Leader Larry Cafero.

The poll also confirms what Republicans have said – Connecticut residents do not support the Democrats’ plan to increase taxes on everything from clothing, to Internet sales and the price of a funeral.