House Republican Press Release

February 9, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

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

HARTFORD- State Representative Sean Williams (R-Watertown) 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 yesterday. 

“The Governor has set some important and meaningful goals for the coming session, particularly in the area of tax relief and in moving forward with economic development,” said Representative Williams.  “I will certainly be working this session to see that these proposals are acted on.”

Representative Williams noted the bold move of Governor Rell in proposing the reformation of property taxes by eliminating the unfair and lopsided motor vehicle tax. “This tax, which is levied by municipalities, is never consistent from town to town,” said Representative Williams.  “It is absurd that someone could pay double the tax on the same motor vehicle because they live in a different town.”

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.

Williams also noted his approval of the proposed Office of Economic Development. “I think that having an Office of Economic Development housed in the Governor’s office answering directly to the Governor is an excellent idea,” said Williams.  “This will be aggressive, hands-on approach to stimulate the economy and I fully support the proposal.”

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.