$300 Million Deficit Not Expected To Impact Local Funds, Says Legislator

HARTFORD – In response to the exploding state deficit, State Rep. David Scribner (R-Brookfield, Bethel) today participated in a fiscal forum at the State Capitol complex. The projected $300 million deficit is not expected to affect delivery of state funds to Brookfield and Bethel at this time, said Rep. Scribner, who serves as a member of the Legislature’s tax-writing Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee.

Legislative Republicans convened the informational forum that featured representatives from the governor’s budget and revenue offices as well as non-partisan fiscal analysts and legislative researchers, who made presentations and fielded questions on ways to address Connecticut’s fiscal health. Democrat leaders have said they do not intend to address the deficit until after November elections.

“I received assurances that state funding to Brookfield and Bethel will not be impacted by the existing deficit,” said Rep. Scribner. “The forum was extremely informative and presented substantial evidence that state finances are cause for serious concern.”

The forum revealed that revenues are seriously lagging:

· Investment income is off 41 percent;

· Real estate conveyance taxes are down more than 40 percent;

· Casino gambling revenue is down 4.3 percent;

· Automobile sales taxes are off 10.8 percent.

Republican leaders invited all Republican and Democratic lawmakers to attend the forum. Governor M. Jodi Rell has limited powers to reduce state spending, up to 5 percent of any appropriation and 3 percent of funds. However, the Legislature must adopt any additional measures to close the gap. Legislators cannot wait to come up with ways to balance the budget and allow the red ink to flow higher, said Rep. Scribner. He added that the projected deficit does not even take into account the Wall Street meltdown that will have a major impact in coming years.

“It’s irresponsible to ignore the fact that revenues from every sector are dropping,’’ said Rep. Scribner, who also serves as Ranking Member of the Finance Committee’s General Bonding and Transportation Bonding Subcommittees. “The Legislature is going to have to address this in a very serious way, be it spending reductions, tax increases or a combination of the two. To put off action until after the election is politics in its very worst form.”