House Republican Press Release

 

 

 

April 24, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

 

Kalinowski Backs ‘NO TAX INCREASE’  Republican Budget Proposal

 

HARTFORD –Representative Ray Kalinowski (R-100) stood with House Republicans today as they unveiled an alternative budget plan that requires no new taxes, is balanced and would save taxpayers at least $1 billion over the next two years without slashing vital state services.

 

Kalinowski said that the towns of the 100th district would receive $3.1 million of additional state aid under the “No-Tax-Increase” Republican budget alternative with no increase in the state income tax. The Republican budget proposal also would begin to reduce other taxes, including the state income tax on senior citizen pension benefits.

 

In startling contrast to the Democratic plan that would increase spending a whopping $1.7 billion statewide and increase taxes in Durham, Middlefield and Middletown by over $9 million, the Republican plan would spare taxpayers any more pain.

 

Kalinowski noted that the Republican plan also increases spending in many areas:

 

·         $358 million in public school funding and $1.1 billion for fully funding teachers’ pensions;

·         Medicaid reimbursement for hospitals increases by $87 million to expand healthcare access for low  

          income families;

·         Another $50 million for other providers and $13 million for nursing homes;

·         Municipal aid for town and city PILOTS, Town Aid Road and the Pequot Fund goes up by $23 million;

·         $20 million for a unique first-time home buyer’s initiative for college graduates that will help keep

          young people in Connecticut;

·         Dedicates $2 million to help state dairy farmers meet the rising costs of doing business.

 

“This budget ceases the poor budgeting practice of underestimating revenues,” said Kalinowski.  “For the past fifteen years we have consistently had budget surpluses as a result.  This means we have institutionalized overtaxing Connecticut citizens.  This budget breaks that cycle, without cutting a penny from state services or programs, while increasing funding in critical areas.  Most importantly, it achieves this without increasing taxes.”

 

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