April 5, 2017

Westbrook Legislators Talk Budget, Tolls, and Unfunded Pension Liabilities at Legislative Coffee Hour

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WESTBROOK- State Reps. Devin Carney and Jesse MacLachlan met with constituents on Saturday at the Westbrook Library to give a mid-session update on the legislative session and to answer questions about local and state issues.

The lawmakers kicked off the meeting by explaining that most of the committees have finished their work, and now they are waiting on the Appropriations and Finance, Revenue Bonding Committees to finalize their budget proposal. Reps. Carney and MacLachlan both agreed that they are hoping for a bipartisan budget that doesn’t raise taxes.

Rep. Carney, the Ranking Member of the Transportation Committee, said, “I always appreciate listening to constituents about issues important to them and their daily life and work. This year is especially challenging due to the large budget deficit, so it was very helpful to hear from folks regarding that topic, including pension reform and the potential for tolls. I look forward to future discussions related to Connecticut’s fiscal woes and various other areas of interest to the people of the 23rd.”

Rep. MacLachlan said, “Listening to the concerns of our constituents is always our top priority. The biggest concern this session is the budget. For too many years, lawmakers have kicked our budget problems down the road. We need to have a serious bipartisan discussion about the way our state operates. The budgeting process needs to change in order to create a real sustainable and competitive economic climate. Rep. Carney and I are against the governor’s budget proposal and will continue to fight for structural changes.”

Other hot topics discussed on Saturday included tolls, unfunded pension liabilities, taxes, and environmental protections. Reps. Carney and MacLachlan explained that the state needs to pass a true transportation ‘lockbox’ before tolls are implemented.

The legislators encouraged residents to visit their websites frequently for updates – www.RepJesseMac.com and www.RepCarney.com. The gavel will fall on the 2017 Legislative Session on Wednesday, June 7th.