House Republican Press Release

April 24, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Miller, Belden   &  Harkins  Advance ‘NO TAX INCREASE’ Budget

House Republicans Unite Against Proposed Tax Hikes

HARTFORD – Representatives Larry Miller (R-122), Dick Belden (R-113) and  John Harkins (R-120) joined House and 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.

Stratford and Shelton would receive $3.3 million of additional state education 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 would take over $15 million more in state income tax from the residents of Stratford and Shelton.  The Republican plan would spare taxpayers any more pain.

Miller, Belden and Harkins also 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.

“This plan increases exemption from income tax on seniors’ pension plans,” said Representative Miller.  “It also provides for the Republican ‘Learn Here Live Here’ initiative that will help our college students afford a down payment on their first home purchase.”

 “We have been overtaxing our citizens for several years, and this tax proposal is an honest, caring approach to our citizens’ needs, without any additional tax increases,” said Representative Belden.

“Connecticut remains the highest taxed state per capita in the nation, and Democrats think you still don’t pay enough” said Representative Harkins. “Our budget offers a realistic alternative that does not increase taxes one penny, fully funds all current programs, and expands funding for critical priorities, including education. Stratford would receive increased education funding under the Republican plan to fully fund the ECS formula”

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