State Representatives Irene Haines and Mark DeCaprio Support 2024/2025 Biennial State Budget

Hartford– On Wednesday, June 7^th, the 2023 Connecticut General Assembly Legislative Session adjourned. Earlier in the week, the 2024/2025 Biennial State Budget passed through the House of Representatives as well as the State Senate, marking the first bi-partisan budget since 2017. Two local lawmakers, State Representatives Irene Haines (R-34) and Mark DeCaprio (R-48), both supported this budget that will cut the state income tax for Connecticut’s working class.

Since last spring, Connecticut House Republicans pushed for an income tax cut during the 2022 legislative session to give residents much needed tax relief as inflation began impacting daily life. The $51 billion budget increases spending on higher education, while expanding trade offerings in technical school education and career high schools, as well as offering a $150 million investment in local education. The budget also provides critical funding to essential non-profits, addresses increased funding for local firefighter training support, and other investments in public safety as well.

“When Republicans have a seat at the table, good things happen. I was proud to support the fiscal year 2024/2025 State Biennial Budget last Monday in the House of Representatives,” State Rep. Irene Haines said. “This budget addresses many different priorities that I feel are very important to the people of our state. As the Ranking Member of the Higher Education Committee, the increase in funding for higher education I feel is an imperative component of this budget that will further help prepare these students for the workforce. To also see the investments made to our local schools and public safety, it was ultimately in the best interest of the residents of the 34^th District to support this budget,” she concluded.

Income tax cuts included in the budget reduce the bottom two marginal tax rates – from 3% to 2% and from 5% to 4.5% – with full benefit going to single filers earning under $105k and joint filers earning under $210k.

“While keeping the fiscal guardrails that began in 2017 in place, this budget offers sustainable tax relief to the tune of $800 million to Connecticut families,” said State Rep. Mark DeCaprio. “This budget also maintains Education Cost Sharing (ECS) funding which directly impacts our local schools here in eastern Connecticut. This will give our students additional resources in hopes of strengthening their learning experiences and achievements in the classroom. With over 832-pages in a budget, there was a lot to digest in a very short time from when we received it to when we voted on it. Although no budget is perfect, the good outweighed the bad for the residents of the 48th District.”

On Monday, June 12^th, Governor Ned Lamont signed the budget into law.

State Representative Irene Haines (R-34) is the Ranking Member of the Higher Education Committee, along the Education, and Planning and Development Committees. Rep. Haines serves the residents of East Haddam, East Hampton, and parts of Salem.

State Representative Mark DeCaprio (R-48) serves on the Appropriations, Transportation, and Public Health Committees. Rep. DeCaprio serves the residents of Bozrah, Colchester, Franklin, and parts of Lebanon.

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