A Few Thoughts On The Budget Implementer

Dear fellow residents of the 32nd District,

A bill with more than 600 pages, 500 sections and 21,000 lines was presented to many of us at the Capitol on the same day we were forced to vote on it. This budget implementer, as it is called, did far more than implement the budget. In fact, it crammed in dozens of pieces of legislation that did not survive the regular session. Many of these pieces failed to make it out their respective chambers, died in the committee process or in other cases, didn’t even have a public hearing. Similar to the original budget, one party negotiated it behind closed doors and refused to consider good ideas from across the aisle.

I cast a no vote. The public deserves better.

The budget that is now being implemented is insulting to Connecticut residents. New property, income and sales taxes on middle class residents total nearly $1.4 billion. Spending increases, the size of government increases, and the hurdles and costs to live in Connecticut also increase. All of this follows the largest tax increase in Connecticut history, a mere four years ago.

How will this impact us here in the 32nd District?

Need surgery at an outpatient facility? Plan to purchase shoes or clothes? Want to use a parking garage? Own a home? New taxes, increased taxes and property tax reductions will impact us on a daily basis. Connecticut employers including hospitals were also impacted. The creators of this budget put their heads in the sand and have put the fiscal and literal health of our residents at risk.

I want you to know that I will continue to fight for you. Have a wonderful summer and don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

Always,

Christie Carpino
800-842-1423
Christie.carpino@housegop.ct.gov