House Republican Press Release

April 17, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep Hetherington: Votes Against Massive Tax Increase!

HARTFORD – State Representative John Hetherington (R-125^th District) Monday voted against massive tax increases in the Legislature’s Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee.

“I am shocked by this billion tax increase,” Rep. Hetherington said. “Already shouldering the heaviest tax load of any state in the country, our citizens will face higher taxes, even when we have an enormous surplus.”

Under the Democrat proposals, the income tax rate will increase from 5% to a graduated top of 6.9%. Taxpayers filing joint returns will see a higher rate beginning at $150,000. “As a consequence, two tenths of one percent of our taxpayers, or just about 3,000 people, will pay 90% of the income tax.”

In addition to change in the income tax, the top estate tax rate will go from 16% to 20%. The increase is offered as the price for eliminating the much-criticized “cliff effect” which makes the base rate apply from the first dollar once the $2,000,000 threshold is crossed, “This is a case of fairness being held for ransom,” Hetherington commented.

Discussing action by the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee in approving the record tax increase, Representative Hetherington added, “While passing an historic tax hike, the majority rejected a tax exemption for the benefits a town gives their volunteer firemen and a tax exemption for conservation easements.”

According to Hetherington, New Canaan and Wilton citizens will pay far more than they will ever receive; a result of the tax increase.