Carpino Opposes Malloy’s Plan for More Spending, Middle Class Tax Increases

HARTFORD—State Rep. Christie Carpino is opposed to the multitude of middle class tax hikes and $900 million in more government spending included in Gov. Dannel Malloy’s proposed budget. Touting a message of “shared sacrifice,” Malloy delivered his address to the legislature Wednesday afternoon in the House chamber filled with state representatives and state senators. Reacting to the proposal Thursday, Carpino applauded Malloy’s efforts in producing a balanced budget that does not borrow to cover operating expenses. Carpino, though, took issue with the governor’s spending plan. According to Malloy’s own budget, total current spending would increase from $19.3 billion to $19.7 billion in the first year of his budget and to $20.2 billion in the second.

That’s roughly $900 million more in government spending over a two year period.

“I am disappointed that when most states are making tough decisions and reducing the size of state government, we have a proposed budget that actually increases spending,” Carpino said. “The Governor’s plan is out of line with the financial realities faced by Connecticut’s residents.”

Malloy’s budget includes $1.5 billion in tax increases in the first year, from income and sales tax increases to a hike in the gas tax and increased levies on products and services used routinely by middle class residents—including clothing, alcoholic beverages and pet grooming services.

The controversial plan would also strip middle class families of the $500 property tax credit that’s so important to their budgets, particularly during these tough financial times, Carpino said.

“It is irresponsible to be discussing more taxes when the government has failed to reduce spending,” she said. “It is unfair for residents to pay more taxes to fuel additional government expenditures.”