It's not too late to STOP the TAX HIKES

The budget passed by legislative Democrats earlier this month raised taxes by an incredulous $1.5 billion. Their claims of providing tax relief to the middle class are false. In fact, it does the following:

• 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 tax 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

In reality, their tax hikes are aimed directly at the middle class, and jeopardizes 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 have been shut out of the budget negotiation process.  Since they won't listen to us, maybe they will listen to you! 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 Sincerely, Vincent Candelora State Representative 86th General Assembly District