Rep. Ackert Applauds Republican Budget Proposals

HARTFORD – House Minority Leader Themis Klarides (R-Derby) and Senate Minority Len Fasano (R-North Haven) shared their proposals to close the state’s current budget deficit and make long-term structural changes to help the state avoid future shortfalls November 12th with the governor and Majority leadership.

State Representative Tim Ackert (R-Coventry) applauded the Republican plans, which were made public at a press conference November 13th.

“The plans laid down by our leadership are well thought-out and responsible,” Rep. Ackert said.  “We cannot continue to borrow the way that we have in the past or continue to ignore our massive budget shortfalls. Their plans address the issues while protecting the state’s most vulnerable residents and lessening the burden on our state’s taxpayers and business owners. I am proud of the work that they did, and hope that these plans will be considered by the governor and the Majority leadership.”

The Republican proposals include modifications totaling over $370 million in Fiscal Year 2016, enough to close the current year’s projected deficit while also restoring cuts make to social services by the governor’s September rescissions. None of the immediate proposed solutions require labor concessions. The proposals also include tax changes to improve Connecticut’s business environment, including eliminating Unitary Combined Reporting.

The long-term budget proposals include lowering state debt by limiting the amount Connecticut can borrow, identifying and addressing inefficiencies in state government, protecting transportation funding, better managing the state’s pension system and modest labor modifications.

More details can be found in the House and Senate Republicans’ presentation, viewable as a PDF or in your web browser.