Dauphinais Calls for Responsible Tax, Energy and Property Tax Relief

Dauphinais Calls for Responsible Tax, Energy and Property Tax Relief

HARTFORD – State Representative Anne Dauphinais (R) is calling for responsible tax and spending policies that provide relief to Connecticut families while protecting taxpayers and maintaining fiscal discipline.

Connecticut residents continue to face high costs for housing, energy, groceries, transportation and property taxes. Dauphinais said state government should look for ways to find waste, fraud and duplication of all services while making sure taxpayer dollars are spent carefully and responsibly.

“Connecticut families work hard for every dollar they earn, and they deserve a state government that respects that,” said Rep. Dauphinais. “We should be looking for ways to lower taxes and reduce unnecessary costs, while also making sure we are living within our means. Government should not automatically look for more money from taxpayers whenever there is a budget challenge.”

Among the proposals being discussed by Rep. Dauphinais and House Republicans are changes to the state property tax credit, additional municipal support aimed at easing local property tax pressures, income tax relief and measures intended to reduce energy costs.

Dauphinais said property taxes deserve particular attention because local tax increases can make it harder for families, seniors and small businesses to remain in their communities.

“Property taxes are one of the biggest expenses many Connecticut families face,” Dauphinais said. “We need to take a serious look at how the state can help communities control costs without simply shifting the burden from one taxpayer to another. Long-term property tax relief requires responsible state spending and a commitment to making government more efficient.”

Dauphinais also supports greater transparency and accountability when it comes to electric bills. House Republicans have proposed by minimizing subsidies and removing the Public Benefits Charge from electric bills and instead addressing those expenses through the regular state budget process, where lawmakers can debate and account for them openly.

“People deserve to understand what they are paying for when they receive their electric bill,” Dauphinais said. “If the state is going to fund a program, taxpayers should be able to see it, understand it and have their elected representatives held accountable for that decision. Bonding these public benefits charges like the will only cost taxpayers more because we’re paying interest on bonding debt.”

Dauphinais said she will continue supporting efforts to reduce the tax burden, wasteful out of control government spending and make Connecticut more affordable for working families, seniors and small businesses.

“We don't need government to do more just for the sake of doing more,” said Dauphinais. “We need government to do its job well, spend taxpayer dollars carefully and give families more room in their own budgets. That's the kind of fiscal responsibility Connecticut should be working toward.”