House Republican Press Release

April 24, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Reps Hamzy, Burns: Republican No Tax Increase Alternative Budget Best for CT Economy, Job Creation

Would Increase State Education Aid to Bristol and Plymouth; Preserve Essential Services

A ‘No Tax Increase’ alternative budget unveiled today by state House Republican leaders will help keep Connecticut’s economy expanding and creating jobs while sending more aid to Bristol and Plymouth than is provided under the current state budget, state Representatives William A. Hamzy and Ron Burns  said today.

“This is a fair and responsible budget proposal that preserves essential state services and increases aid to Bristol and Plymouth in a number of critical areas – and does so without increasing taxes on individuals, families and employers,” said Representative Hamzy, R-78^th District. “In contrast, the tax and spending increases the Democrats have proposed in their budget would be a major shock to Connecticut’s economy. The bottom line is our proposal would mean continued economic growth and more jobs over the next two years while their budget would significantly increase taxes, resulting in less consumer spending, a weaker business climate and fewer jobs.”

“Our proposal would provide more funding for education, road and bridge maintenance, and Payments in Lieu of Taxes for state-owned properties,” said Representative Burns, R-77^th District. “Almost every year for the past 14 years, we have raised more revenues than were needed to cover state expenditures. We are not in a crisis and can fund the essential services our citizens need without raising taxes. Our plan balances both our social and fiscal responsibilities and is sustainable. The Democrats’ budget would raise income tax rates, increase taxes on clothing purchases, reduce the business tax credit and make the increase in the conveyance tax on real estate transactions permanent. Bristol residents are already overtaxed and their budget proposal would add to the burden.”

The state legislature’s nonpartisan Office of Fiscal Analysis was consulted during the development of the Republican No Tax Increase Alternative Budget. There are no expenditure cuts for existing state programs from current spending levels. The Republican alternative budget also provides for spending increases in areas where they are needed most, including energy conservation programs, health care, economic growth and job creation as well as education and state aid to municipalities, the legislators said.

The Republican alternative budget provides $3,011,265 in additional education aid for Bristol and $395,367 more for Plymouth than is included in the current budget, they said.