House Republican Press Release

February 7, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

State Rep. Anne Ruwet supports Governor’s education initiative

After attending Governor M. Jodi Rell’s budget address to the General Assembly, state Rep. Anne Ruwet (R-Torrington) voiced support for the governor’s commitment to education, specifically the proposed $4.4 million in increased funding to Torrington for fiscal year 2007-08.

“I truly appreciate Gov. Rell’s efforts and focus on improving education from kindergarten through college,” said Rep. Ruwet. “Increasing funding to cities and towns to help with the increasing burden of property taxes is a bold proposal.”

To pay for the increase in education funding, the Governor has proposed increasing the state income tax, phased in over a two-year period.

“I, however, am extremely concerned about the method the Governor proposed to pay for this increase in funding,” said Rep. Ruwet. “Raising the income tax would hurt all taxpayers.”

The budget process will likely take months, and the Governor’s proposed budget will likely be changed as it is worked through the legislature’s committee process.

Rep. Ruwet added that she supports a number of the governor’s other proposals, including a number of initiatives to encourage energy conservation and to reduce energy-related taxes, and the phasing out of the car tax.