House Republican Press Release

May 30, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Democrats’ tax package raises taxes on all Connecticut consumers

State Rep. Ruth Fahrbach(R-Windsor) and state Rep. Richard Ferrari (R-East Granby) today voted against the Democrats’ tax package for 2008-2009 that would have resulted in an increased tax burden on each and every Connecticut consumer.

The Democrats, apparently wanting to flex the muscle of their “super majority” in the House, passed a tax package that would eliminate the sales tax exemption on clothing items costing $50 or less, resulting in a significant negative impact on all Connecticut consumers.

The ill-conceived Democratic tax plan also calls for a tax on all funeral expenses, eliminating and exemption on the first $2,500 which exists under current law, and would institute a sales tax on Internet purchases. Income taxes on many small business owners and families, cigarette taxes, as well as estate taxes are also significantly increased with this tax proposal. All this at a time when Connecticut is swimming in surplus monies (estimated to be $840 million) due to unnecessary over taxation.

“This tax plan is not in line with where we need to go to get our state back on track,” said state Rep. Richard Ferrari (R-East Granby). “My constituents, and I suspect all other taxpayers in this state, are at the end of their rope. The Republicans offered a fiscally sound alternative budget, but unfortunately for this state, it fell on deaf ears.”

“There is no need to raise taxes when we are realizing a nearly $1 billion surplus.” said state Rep. Ruth Fahrbach (R-Windsor). “Controlling spending and creating tax incentives that will boost our economy are what we should be discussing in the legislature. Today is yet another sad say for the taxpayers of Connecticut.”