Carpino, Linares Hold Budget Forum in Portland

PORTLAND — Connecticut’s increasingly high cost of living driven by an ever-growing state budget was among topics tackled by State Rep. Christie Carpino and Sen. Art Linares during a Feb. 26 state budget forum.

More than 30 people attended the event at the Senior Center, where Carpino and Linares fielded questions for an hour and a half. Subjects discussed included the state budget, job creation, abuse of state entitlement programs, and state regulations and taxes that squeeze small businesses. The legislators also provided details about a projected $2 billion budget deficit over the next two fiscal years–an area where everyone agreed with Carpino and Linares: Connecticut can’t continue on its current path.

Carpino said, “This budget forum was presented to show Portland residents what economic challenges Connecticut faces this year. Listening to your concerns and hearing your suggestions are heartening and they assist me in my deliberations.”

“We thank Portland taxpayers for coming out,” Sen. Linares said. “You had excellent comments and suggestions, and we take your ideas with us to the State Capitol. We plan to continue to keep you updated as the legislative session continues. Our mutual goal is to get our state’s economy moving again. Lower taxes, pro-business policies and responsible state budgeting will get Connecticut on the right track.”