House Republican Press Release

April 24, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

STATEWIDE TAXPAYER ORGANIZATION HONORS REP. O’NEILL

HARTFORD- The Federation Of Connecticut Taxpayer Organizations (FCTO) recently presented State Rep. Arthur O’Neill, R-Southbury, its Taxpayer Advocate Award. According to FCTO President Susan Kniep, the award was given in recognition of Rep. O’Neill’s efforts to lower taxes for Connecticut residents.

FCTO was formed in the mid 1980s with a goal of promoting fiscal austerity in all levels of government, thereby constraining the tax burden on local and state taxpayers. As a government watchdog, FCTO provides a system of checks and balances with the intent of protecting taxpayers from unnecessary taxation and government mismanagement or corruption. FCTO serves its members through research and advocacy on significant tax and spending issues on the local, state, and national levels.

In the bestowing the award, FCTO cited Representative O’Neill’s support of repealing the business entity tax and his introduction of legislation to create a tax exemption for retired military and Coast Guard members. Also, in 2007 and 2008, Rep. O’Neill introduced legislation to cap local property tax increases at 2.5 percent per year. This concept has also been supported by Governor M. Jodi Rell.

 “I’m thrilled to receive recognition from the Taxpayer’s Association,” said Rep. O’Neill. “My constituents have always made it clear that they oppose further tax increases and expressed the need for lower taxes and I will remain committed to serving as their voice on these issues in the Legislature.”