Candelora Addresses State Budget Shortfalls
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State Representative Vincent Candelora (R-86) joined Senate and House Republicans to discuss their proposals to close the state’s current budget deficit and make long-term structural changes to help the state avoid future shortfalls. These proposals were shared with Democrat leaders and Governor Dannel P. Malloy in bipartisan budget negotiations at a press conference in Hartford on Wednesday, November 12.
“In an attempt to close our state’s budget gap, Republicans have created a proposal to give this state a chance to sustain itself for generations to come,” said Rep. Candelora.
“Our proposal does not rely on cuts to hospitals; it does not seek to undo critical funding from those who need it the most – as the governor’s proposal did. I am proud of the proposals put forth by my colleagues as they aim to restore sustainability to state finances, and I hope that the governor and Democrat leaders will take our ideas seriously so that we can work together to restore the health of our state.” Candelora continued.
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 made 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.
“In an attempt to close our state’s budget gap, Republicans have created a proposal to give this state a chance to sustain itself for generations to come,” said Rep. Candelora.
“Our proposal does not rely on cuts to hospitals; it does not seek to undo critical funding from those who need it the most – as the governor’s proposal did. I am proud of the proposals put forth by my colleagues as they aim to restore sustainability to state finances, and I hope that the governor and Democrat leaders will take our ideas seriously so that we can work together to restore the health of our state.” Candelora continued.
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 made 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.