House Republican Press Release

June 28, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Marilyn Giuliano Supports Budget Agreement

Says Final Budget Mirrors Republicans’ No-Tax Increase Budget Alternative

Budget Boosts State Aid to Schools and Towns in 23rd District

State Rep. Marilyn Giuliano, R-23^rd District, Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook and Westbrook, has voted for the new state budget that increases state aid to public schools, provides more funds for town services and health care, and yet holds down state taxes.

“This budget is a major achievement for the people of Connecticut,” said Rep. Giuliano. “Students will receive more aid for public schools. Towns will receive more funds for public services. Yet, there will be no increases in the state income tax, in the state sales tax nor many of the other tax hikes that had been proposed.”

“This budget shows there is no need to raise taxes when the state is running billion-dollar-a-year surpluses,” added Rep. Giuliano. “Our No-Tax-Increase budget proposal changed the debate from raising taxes to holding the line on taxes. The state can maintain services for people in need and increase aid to municipalities within existing revenues, and this final budget agreement proves that to be true.”

“As the state continues to raises taxes,” said Rep. Giuliano, “it drives families, young adults, businesses, jobs and retirees away to lower-cost states. Instead, my Republican colleagues and I have been supporting proposals this year to keep young families, senior citizens and businesses in Connecticut where they can contribute to the community and the state.”

Highlights of the budget include estimated aid as follows:

Lyme will receive $289,028 in the fiscal year beginning July 1, up $25,102 from the current fiscal year. This represents a 10% increase in state aid.

Old Lyme will receive an additional 17% in state aid.  The town will receive $857,589 in the fiscal year beginning July 1, up $127,527 from the current fiscal year. Old Lyme is scheduled to receive $883,112 in the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2008, an additional $25,523 increase.

Old Saybrook's state aid will increase by 20%. The town will receive $932,687 in the fiscal year beginning July 1, up $158,685 from the current fiscal year. Old Saybrook is scheduled to receive $960,195 in the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2008, an additional $27,508 increase.

Westbrook's state aid will increase by 16% as the town will receive $650,015 in the fiscal year beginning July 1, up $91,339 from the current fiscal year. Westbrook is scheduled to receive $688,040 in the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2008, an additional $18,025 increase.

Rep. Giuliano serves the 23^rd Assembly District of Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook and Westbrook in the state House of Representatives.