CT House Republicans Unveil “Pathway to Affordability” Budget Plan
Key Takeaways
- Spends less than budgets from legislative Democrats and Governor
- Provides more than $400 million in tax relief
- More than $167 million below the spending cap
- Reclaims CT revenue from New York
- Sustainable: Doesn’t rely on volatile, one-time revenues
HARTFORD—House Republicans on Tuesday released a budget adjustment plan for the second year of the state budget through a series of policies aimed at making Connecticut more affordable, lowering household costs, easing property tax pressures, and addressing the school funding crisis facing communities across the state.
House Republicans plan is balanced, provides more than $400 million in tax relief, comes in $167 million under the state spending cap, and spends less than the governor’s proposal, all while making smart, targeted investments where they’re needed.
That includes our School Taxpayer Relief and Affordability Plan (STRAP), which would deliver approximately $1.1 million more in education funding to Clinton, Westbrook, and Killingworth. That’s meaningful support for our schools and real relief for local property taxpayers who have been carrying a heavy burden for too long.
For years, towns in the 35th District have been asked to make up the difference because the state’s education funding formula hasn’t kept pace with reality. This proposal takes a fair, straightforward approach by distributing additional funding based on the same percentage towns already receive, so every community benefits.
Just as importantly, this funding is built into the budget, making it predictable and something our towns can actually plan around. And while delivering for our towns, House Republicans are aiming to eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits for our seniors, in addition to other tax relief.
And what’s included in the proposal to reduce state spending and provide tax relief?
- Eliminate the sales tax on children’s clothing for CT's families
- Eliminate fees on certain occupational licenses for the many independent businesses owners and tradesmen who make our state run
- Increase the state’s maximum property tax credit to $650 and expand income eligibility, extending relief to 800,000 filers
- Reduce healthcare costs by reducing a state levy on insurance companies ($20 million) that has been passed on to consumers in their monthly premiums
This is about doing right by our students, supporting our towns, and easing the pressure on taxpayers, all while staying fiscally responsible and living within our means.
We can do better for our communities, and it can start this session. Check out our plan here.