House Republican Press Release

May 9, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Litchfield County legislators: Quinnipiac poll shows support for GOP budget proposal

A Quinnipiac University Poll released on Wednesday, May 9 shows the House Republican “No Tax Increase’’ budget is overwhelmingly favored by state residents compared to either Gov. Rell’s proposal or the Democrats’ tax and spending plan.

The Republican “No Tax Increase” budget drew the most support among respondents with 41 percent saying they favored it. The Democratic proposal to increase spending by a whopping $2.1 billion received only 33 percent of those who responded, and the Governor’s across-the-board tax increase of 10 percent to pay for her education plan was supported by just 16 percent of respondents.

“The Quinnipiac poll confirms that Connecticut taxpayers have been pushed to the breaking point and simply can not afford any more tax increases,” said state Rep. Anne Ruwet (R-Torrington). “The House Republicans have put forth a budget proposal that maintains all current state services and does not require an increase in taxes. It is a responsible proposal, and I hope it will be adopted for the benefit of the taxpayers of Torrington.”

“This poll is an affirmation of our thoughtfulness in terms of meeting our commitments and our consideration of the tax burden already in place in the state of Connecticut,” said state Rep. Craig Miner (R-Litchfield). “Today, the Office of Fiscal Analysis has all but confirmed our revenue estimates so there can be no question that if we keep spending in the range of the GOP budget proposal, there is no need for a tax increase.”

“The people have spoken,” said state Rep. John Piscopo (R-Thomaston). “This poll is evidence that taxpayers accept the ideals o low taxation and controlled state spending.”    

The poll confirms what Republicans have said all along– Connecticut residents do not support the Democrats’ plan to increase taxes on everything from clothing, to Internet sales and the price of a funeral.