Candelora Responds To Democrat Budget

The Democrats’ proposed state budget comprised of: some positive attributes – but mainly an influx of spending and deferment of debt payments – which will inevitably lead us in the direction of higher taxes and increased borrowing, said State Rep. Vincent Candelora. "While his 2011 budget applied broad tax policy that affected all of Connecticut's residents and businesses, the Governor's new budget proposal selects winner and losers with election year giveaways” said Candelora. Back in February 2011, when introducing his “shared sacrifice” budget, Gov. Dannel Malloy said, “we’re finally going to require the state to do what it requires all 169 cities and towns to do: be honest and transparent about the way it keeps its books.” Many including Candelora are now questioning just how transparent Malloy has been. “A few key issues with Gov. Malloy’s budget includes, line items that were traditionally paid out of the state’s operating budget in previous years have been moved to the borrowing column. This shifting of amounts in the state’s spending level gives a false appearance that spending is lower than what it actually is,” said Candelora.  “If we add up the totals without shifting amounts, the projected spending in the current year would be $454.5 million more.” The Office of Fiscal Analysis, is projecting a $1.1 billion deficit for the next biennial budget cycle. Rep. Candelora voted against the budget package yesterday at the Legislative Office Building, objecting to several questionable claims that he said “this new budget would push our fiscal house into a difficult position, leaving taxpayers to then deal with the aftermath.” Other key budget points include: •           Reliance on $207 million in raided funds to cover the budget – including $18 from the Special Transportation Fund intended to repair failing roads and bridges, and $29 from the energy efficiency programs •           The lack of effort to move to GAAP combined with continuous spending means this budget is $550 million more than what the bottom line indicates •           FY15 increases spending by 5.92% The Democratic majority of the Appropriations Committee passed the proposal HB 5030 on a party-line vote. The General Assembly must pass a balanced budget adjustment prior to adjournment of the 2014 Legislative Session on May 7th.