House Republican Press Release

 

 

 

April 24, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

 

BOUCHER, HETHERINGTON: SUPPORT ALTERNATIVE ‘NO-TAX’ REPUBLICAN BUDGET

 

“HOUSE UNITED FOR TAX-FRIENDLY PLAN”

 

 

HARTFORD – State Representatives Toni Boucher, R-143rd District, John Hetherington, R-125th District today announced support for a House Republican alternative budget proposal that would also begin to provide direct tax relief to residents of Connecticut and also encourages retirees to stay and retire here.

 

House Republicans have proposed a budget alternative that does not raise taxes and maintains current levels of spending. Wilton would receive $900,000 of additional school aid, New Canaan over $700,000 and Norwalk $1.8 million.  These boosts would occur under the “No-Tax-Increase Republican Budget Alternative” with no increase in the state income tax. Aid would still be based on town size, need and wealth, but with more educational accountability in the schools systems.

 

Rep. Boucher said, “The constituents in my district are angry and disappointed that state budgets proposed thus far all increase taxes, especially in light of the steady surplus the state has been experiencing. This can only mean that they are being overtaxed. How many more residents does the state need to lose before policy makers come to their senses?” Boucher added, “I am extremely pleased that, although in the minority, we present a far better budget that not only retains and improves services that the public wants, but this without increasing taxes of any kind. It also fully funds the teachers’ retirement system, starts to eliminate the estate tax and does not add another real estate conveyance tax. This is a budget our citizens will surely cheer.”

 

The Republican budget proposal also would begin to reduce other taxes, including the state income tax on senior citizen pension benefits. Further, the Republican plan would boost other state payments to towns for road aid, and payment in lieu of taxation for tax exempt property.

   

Details of the plan include getting rid of the business entity tax, and electricity sales tax on businesses. Additionally, the proposal eliminates the so-called “cliff” for estates’ reaching $2 million and begins to phase out the estate tax completely.

 

 

 

 

 

Rep. Hetherington commented, “This is an excellent alternative. It begins to offer welcome relief for our taxpayers who bear the highest taxes in the nation, and at the same time moves us forward in critical areas like education while preserving the safety net.”

 

In stark contrast to the Democratic plan that would boost spending a whopping $1.7 billion, the Republican plan would spare taxpayers any more pain. But Republicans noted that their plan increases spending in many areas:

·        School spending for every town goes up;

·        Medicaid reimbursements for Hospitals is increased $100 million to expand health care access for thousands;

·        Environmental clean up programs will also get an additional $100 million.

 

 

For more information on the plan, click on: http://www.HouseGOP.ct.gov