Carpino Supports State Budget

HARTFORD – The House of Representatives approved a $51 billion, two-year state budget on Tuesday. State Rep. Christie Carpino (R-Cromwell) voted in favor of the budget bill that delivers historic levels of tax relief and stays within the legislature’s spending guardrails.

“When we began our initial budget talks, both parties agreed to adhere to our spending and borrowing caps. This framework helped set parameters which ended in a bipartisan agreement. I commend my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in moving a fair budge forward– one that residents and businesses alike will benefit from,” said Carpino.

According to Carpino, one of the most important components of the budget is significant levels of tax relief, totaling around $800 million. In addition, the budget contains adjustments to the pension, 401k, and annuity income parameters. “I have heard from residents in Cromwell and Portland about the taxation policy on fixed incomes. I am glad the budget addresses these concerns, making our state a little easier to retire to. Connecticut families that have worked their entire careers in our state deserve to stay here,” said Carpino.

The budget also contains important policy statements and funding for education and social services., such as the DDS Residential Waiting List and ECS grants for special education reimbursements.

Although not a perfect budget as it must encompass compromises from communities across the state, it is a strong document that sets important priorities, set as:

• Right size government
• Invests in non-profit providers, strengthening the state’s safety net
• Provides funding for additional support training for Firefighter I & II
• Funds the 988 Suicide Hotline
• Increases funding levels for local education, including cost grants for special education spending
• Creates a new Fallen Hero account with Comptroller for families of police officers who fall in the line of duty

The final vote tally was 139 to 12 and was subsequently passed by the Senate. It now heads to the Governor for his signature.

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