Blueprint for Prosperity

The Governor’s proposed FY2016-2017 budget drastically cuts spending for human services and mental health, relies heavily on borrowing and does not fall beneath the constitutional spending cap.

House and Senate Republicans unveiled their alternative to this plan on Friday. Our proposed budget, “Blueprint for Prosperity,” will not only restore a good portion of his cuts but will also force the state to live within its means.

The proposal includes the following tax relief:

• Restores the sales tax exemption on clothing and shoes under $50
• Restores an income tax exemption for single filers that the governor cuts
• Phases out the income tax on pensions under $100,000
• Eliminates the governor’s proposed cap on tax credits that help local businesses

The proposal also reprioritizes spending:

• Dedicates $18.7 million for mental health care and treatment underfunded by the governor
• Sets aside $15 million to help alleviate the wait list for services for the developmentally disabled
• Restores funding to senior care programs including Alzheimer’s respite care and long term care residents’ personal needs allowances
• Reduces tax burdens on our local hospitals

The proposal also preserves our communities by restoring the governor’s cuts to:

• The resident state trooper program
• Affordable housing
• Farmland, open space and historic preservation
• Youth centers
• Veterans’ funeral honors
• State parks
• Libraries
• Local tourism venues

In restoring these funds and cutting out waste to make up the difference, our proposal will not only help those who need it, but will also create more fiscal sustainability and savings in the future.

If you support restoring these important programs and moving our state in the right direction, please share this information. You can read the full proposal at www.cthousegop.com/blueprint.