House Republican Press Release

March 1, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Williams Applauds Unfunded Mandates Commission

(HARTFORD)- State Representative Sean Williams (R- Watertown) today thanked Governor M. Jodi Rell for taking the initiative to form a commission to review the effect of unfunded state mandates on municipalities.  The establishment of the commission was initially defeated by legislative Democrats in committee during the 2005 legislative session despite bi-partisan support from Mayors and First Selectmen throughout Connecticut.  Governor Rell, stating that "local property taxpayers and municipal leaders suffer under these mandates," formed the commission through her office in late 2005.

"There is little doubt that the only way to achieve real property tax reform in Connecticut is to eliminate the unnecessary unfunded mandates that are strangling our cities and towns," Representative Williams said.  "Anyone can talk about property tax reform, but giving our municipal leaders the tools to cut their own spending will be key to our success in reducing local property taxes."

Representative Williams noted that the commission is made up of members with a variety of different backgrounds, including local elected officials, state legislators, taxpayer advocates and others.  He also noted that several of the members are local to the Greater Waterbury area, including State Representative Craig Miner (R- 66), Waterbury Mayor Michael Jarjura (D) and Watertown-Oakville Taxpayers Association Vice President Thomas Durso of Watertown. 

"Governor Rell did well by the taxpayers by taking on this issue," Representative Williams concluded.  "This commission is full of capable individuals who understand that we need to put taxpayers' interests above special interests, and I look forward to a healthy discussion on their findings."

The commission is due to issue a report on their review before the 2007 legislative session.