House Republican Press Release

February 11, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Scribner Applauds Tax Relief and Economic Development in Governor’s Proposed Budget

HARTFORD- State Representative David Scribner today applauded the goals of Governor M. Jodi Rell’s proposed budget, which was delivered on the opening day of the 2006 session of the General Assembly last Wednesday.

“The Governor has set the right tone, and has a clear set of goals that offer Connecticut residents tax relief on a number of fronts, and a set of important priorities such as economic development,” said Representative Scribner.  “As Connecticut continues to lag behind other states in this area, the Governor has made it clear she wants our economy to be robust again.  We certainly have the ability to do so.”

Representative Scribner noted the bold move of Governor Rell in proposing the reformation of property taxes by eliminating the motor vehicle tax. “I think everyone can recognize how unfair and lopsided the motor vehicle tax is.  It is high time we move to a more equal and equitable system.”

Other tax reduction proposals in the Governor’s message, such as eliminating the estate tax, and cutting taxes for business, cutting taxes on utilities, and eliminating the corporate surcharge tax will make financial life better for Connecticut residents, and lower the high cost of doing business in the state.

Scribner also noted his approval of the proposed Office of Economic Development. “Governor Rell is taking the initiative on economic development, and I support the creation of an office within her office to guide the process along.”

This session of the Connecticut General Assembly will run until Wednesday, May 8^th, 2006.  The Legislature’s Appropriations Committee will begin deliberations on the state budget soon.