House Republican Press Release

February 7, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

State Rep. Craig Miner supports governor’s education initiative

After attending Governor M. Jodi Rell’s budget address to the General Assembly, State Rep. Craig Miner (R-Litchfield) made the following remarks:

“Given the enormous needs of the state of Connecticut, it’s hard to argue with the focus on education, health care, transportation and the environment,” said Rep. Miner, who serves as ranking member of the legislature’s Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee.

To fund the increase in state funding for education, Gov. Rell has proposed an increase in the state income tax, phased in over a two-year period.

“I don’t think anyone appreciates increases in taxation,” Rep. Miner said. “I suspect we will spend the next four months working in our own way to improve the Governor’s proposal. At the end of the process, the budget will undoubtedly look substantially different than it does now.”

“I do believe the Governor has focused on very important issues that I have heard about from constituents in the towns I represent. The budget is a huge document, we owe it to the Governor to review it thoroughly, and we will need to listen to taxpayers during our public hearings,” added Rep. Miner.