House Republican Press Release

January 5, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

REPRESENTATIVE MINER APPOINTED TO LEADERSHIP POSITION IN LEGISLATURE

Litchfield Legislator To Serve As House Republican Leader of Tax-Writing Committee

HARTFORD--State Representative Craig Miner, R-66th, has been appointed by House Minority Leader-elect Lawrence Cafero, R-142nd, as Ranking Member (House Republican Leader) of the Legislature’s Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee. He was elected to his fourth term representing Bethlehem, Litchfield, Morris, Warren and Woodbury on November 7.

The Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee crafts legislation to establish Connecticut’s tax codes. It has jurisdiction over all matters relating to finance, revenue, capital bonding, fees and taxation. The committee also has cognizance over employer contributions for unemployment compensation and all matters relating to the Department of Revenue Services and the revenue aspects of the Division of Special Revenue.

“Craig Miner has proven himself to be an extremely effective leader during his four years serving as Ranking Member of the Planning and Development Committee,” said Rep. Cafero. “His attention to detail and six years experience on the Finance Committee will clearly help ensure a responsible tax structure for our state.”

“I am excited to be a part of this new challenge,” said Rep. Miner. “I have enjoyed my six years on the Finance Committee and look forward to participating on the leadership level to bring about change.”

“For some 15 years, the citizens of the State of Connecticut have participated in an income tax process and have done so with the understanding that the Legislature was bound by certain spending restrictions. We should all know that is not the case,” added Rep. Miner. “It has been some time since the Finance Committee has set a tax rate equal to the challenge of the Appropriations Committee’s spending wish list. It is my intent that we work toward a resolution of ratifying a spending cap in statute, thereby limiting our spending and the call for additional needless taxation.”

Rep. Miner will receive additional committee assignments during the next several weeks.

In addition to his service on the Planning and Development Committee, he has previously served on the  Insurance and Real Estate Committee.