House Republican Press Release

April 24, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Klarides Supports ‘NO TAX INCREASE’ Republican Budget Proposal

HARTFORD – Deputy House Republican Leader Themis Klarides (R-Derby) 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.

Klarides said that the towns of the 114^th district would receive $1.25 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 Woodbridge, Orange and Derby by $10.6 million, the Republican plan would spare taxpayers any more pain.

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

· School spending for every town in the state goes up.  For towns in the district it goes up by over $500,000 over the Democratic plan

· 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.

“Connecticut remains the highest-taxed state per capita of all U.S. states,” said Klarides.  “In the meantime, we have consistently over-taxed Connecticut residents and businesses.  Our history of doing so is evident in our steady history of budget surpluses.  The Democratic majority quickly spends these surpluses, and asks us to pay more every year.  We can increase education spending and fully fund state services without increasing taxes. It’s time for this tax-and-spend cycle to end.”

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