Carpino, Mulligan Oppose New Tax Hikes

HARTFORD – State Representatives,  Christie Carpino (R-32) and Gayle Mulligan (R-55) loudly voiced their opposition to the massive tax hike on the middle class that passed in the House and Senate last week.

Both representatives cast their votes against the new budget plan that will increase state spending and unfairly hamper businesses across the state. The spending and tax package, which passed narrowly by a vote of 73-70 in the House, will raise taxes on hard-working Connecticut families and businesses by more than $1.5 billion.

During the long debate on the house floor, Rep. Carpino expressed her concerns to her colleagues.

“When I was elected, Portland residents asked me to do just one thing – to cast every vote with their best interests at heart. This budget is exactly the opposite and will hurt every one of them. I had to vote no,” she said.

“This is the most dangerous piece of legislation I’ve seen all year. It puts families at risk. Parents will have to make painful choices for their families, and may be forced to look elsewhere for work. Seniors may need to leave the state they have called home for their entire lives. This budget is reckless and I can’t support it,” said Rep. Carpino.

Rep. Mulligan spoke during deliberations and raised an amendment to save the Resident State Trooper and Community Investment Act. Both programs will face funding reductions in the 55^th district if the budget is signed by the Governor.

“If funding is reduced for our Resident State Trooper programs, towns of the 55^th district will be placed in dire fiscal positions, which could put public safety in question. This budget is full of broken promises to our residents, and will especially negatively impact our small towns,” she said.

Of the $1.5 billion in total new taxes, $475 million will come from eliminating previously scheduled tax cuts for shoppers, businesses, insurance companies and working class residents. The budget will increase income taxes by $442.2 million over two years, and will reduce the property tax credit by 1/3, impacting every homeowner in the state.

“The passage of this budget is devastating to Connecticut. Our small towns and middle class working families, especially in the 55^th District, will not benefit. I could not support it under any circumstances. I hope that the Governor keeps his promise to not raise taxes and vetoes it as soon as possible,” said Rep. Mulligan.

If signed by Governor Malloy, the budget will impose the second highest tax increase in Connecticut history on residents, following the $1.8 billion increase in 2011.