Bolinsky: Stop the Tax Hikes
Democrats are saying the budget they passed earlier this month raising taxes by $1.5 billion gives middle class tax relief. This would be the second largest tax increase in Connecticut’s history and would still leave the state with a projected budget deficit in the next two years of $1 billion. Make no mistake – it does not. Their budget:
- REPEALS the scheduled sales tax exemption on your purchase of clothing and footwear under $50, and adds a $280 million tax hike on children’s clothing and other family necessities.
- DELAYS a scheduled increase in personal exemption for single filers.
- REDUCES your Property Tax Credit from $300 to $200 which is primarily used by those earning under $75,000.
- RAISES your health care costs by increasing taxes on hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers.
Their tax hikes are aimed directly at the middle class, and place into jeopardy the future of major businesses that employ thousands of residents statewide.
The legislature will likely go into a Special Session on June 29 and June 30 to take up bills to implement the budget. Bowing to pressure from residents and the business community, Governor Malloy has indicated he wants to revisit the level of tax increases he initially agreed to.
Now is the time to keep up the pressure. You can continue to make a difference. Republicans, who represent 42% of state residents which is approximately 1.4 million people have been shut out of the budget negotiation process. Since they won’t listen to us, maybe they will listen to you now.
Before the vote on the revised budget takes place call the governor and Democratic leaders to let them know you’ve had enough of their tax increases.
Governor Dannel P. Malloy – (860) 566-4840 Governor.Malloy@ct.gov
House Speaker Brendan Sharkey – (860) 240-8500 Brendan.Sharkey@cga.ct.gov
Senate President Martin Looney – (860) 240-8600 Martin.Looney@cga.ct.gov