Candelora Joins Republican Caucus In A Budget Plan Fix

Candelora was joined by Republican lawmakers today in putting forth a budget plan free of Democratic gimmicks. The budget fix took into account what is best for the people of the State of Connecticut and is carried out in a responsible, honest and balanced manner. The Republican Caucus took into account Gov. Malloy’s failed attempt at developing an honest and transparent budget and instead took matters into their own hands, with a solution to the Democratic ‘techniques’. Unlike the Governors's propsed budget, the budget fix will not add to the projected $1.2 billion budget deficit. Republicans relied on cuts and sensible use of some excess revenue to balance the budget and keep spending below the Democrat proposal, the Governor’s proposal and the proposal enacted less than a year ago. “By respecting the constitutional spending cap, reinstating funding for transportation, providing modest tax relief and $26 million in additional aid to towns and cities; the Republican budget is the only one that would not drain the State of Connecticut or lead to tax increases’’ said Candelora. The $677 million in ‘techniques’ Democrats used to fund their projected budget include: delaying payment on $196 million in Economic Recovery notes each year of the two-year budget, raiding off-budget funds such as the Tobacco Health Trust and eliminating the Municipal Revenue account. The Republican budget pledges to stay under the spending cap, keep promises and provide relief for the people of the State of Connecticut. Some of the state’s excess revenue will be used to properly pay for much needed programs:

• $346 million to pay off Economic Recovery Notes in order to reduce long term debt that Democrats have delayed
• $133 million to accelerate the sales tax exemption on clothing and footwear under $50
• $60 million to eliminate to the surcharge businesses pay for interest on money borrowed for the state’s unemployment insurance fund
• $100 million to shore the state employee pension funds.
• A phased-in exemption of all pensions from the income tax, starting at 5 percent.

The Republican plan adds $35 million in Critical Program Funding, including:

• restoring $9 million to the retired teacher’s health care plan
• a 1 percent cost of living increase for home health aides
• $15 million to maintain primary care provider rates.
• Adding DSS staff to ease client waiting lists for $4.4 million

The Republican budget fix eliminates Gov. Malloy’s plan to give Connecticut residents $55 rebate checks just months before the election, and it halts Keno gambling before it gets started in Connecticut bars and stores.

• The remaining excess funds would be used to pay down debt and go into the state’s Rainy Day Fund under the Republican plan.

“The bottom line is that the Republican budget is the only one that spends less and does so in an honest, transparent and fiscally responsible manner” Candelora said.  

Rep. Candelora represents the 86th District communities of Durham, Guilford, North Branford and Wallingford.