Ackert, Belsito, Davis Speak at Tolland County Chamber Breakfast

TOLLAND – State Representatives Tim Ackert (R-Coventry), Sam Belsito (R-Tolland) and Chris Davis (R-Ellington) joined State Senator Tony Guglielmo (R-Stafford), members of the Tolland County Chamber of Commerce and the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA) September 10 for a Legislative Wrap-Up and Breakfast Meeting.

Audience members asked the legislators a series of questions, mainly regarding the recently passed state budget and the increased taxes Connecticut residents and businesses currently face. They were mostly concerned with how this happened, and what can be done to fix it.

“Since the income tax was passed in 1991, spending has increased by almost 200%, but there has not been a comparable increase in income” Rep. Davis said. “It is no surprise that our taxes are continuing to rise today, because our spending is continuing to rise as well.”

“Unfortunately, this is what happens when you don’t have a balanced government,” said Rep. Ackert. “The governor can do whatever he wants, and there aren’t enough of us at the legislature that disagree with his spending policies.”

“The easiest solution is to elect more Republicans,” Rep. Belsito said with a smile. “But we really need to curb our ridiculous spending and stop taxing the businesses and people that bring in jobs and growth. That will likely be our focus next session.”

They also discussed solutions attendees can work on themselves, such as attending public hearings and reaching out to their local legislators.

Each Representative will be hosting similar forums in their districts before the start of the next legislative session. For more information about these events, please visit www.housegop.ct.gov.