Bristol Legislators Meet with CT REALTORS® at State Capitol

HARTFORD – State Senator Henri Martin, State Rep. Whit Betts, and State Representative Cara Pavalock  met with local CONNECTICUT REALTORS^® during their annual Realtor Day at the State Capitol.  On Realtor Day, realtors from all over the state come together to meet with legislators to share their views and opinions on the issues that affect their business.

Members of CT Realtors^® who spoke with the legislators expressed deep concern that the current economic climate in Connecticut, and in particular, high taxes, is forcing people to sell their homes and leave this state, taking with them, their tax dollars and discretionary income which contributes to and invests in our state’s economy.  “Area realtors are rightly concerned about the economy and our state budget,” said Sen. Martin.  “As legislators, we need to listen closely to what the professionals in this industry are telling us.  The business community wants certainty, and right now, there’s a lot of uncertainty regarding tax policies in Hartford.”

“I appreciate the time that the relators took to travel to Hartford and bring bills of importance to our attention,” said Rep. Pavalock.  “As experts in the industry, their shared knowledge of the issues is important to consider in order for legislators to make informed policy decisions that ensure there is protection for home purchasers while preventing unnecessary legislation and duplication of laws. From meeting with the group, it is my understanding that although home sales are better than they were last year at this time, the average sale price has gone down. As a result there is an overall concern that CT is not keeping up with the rest of the country when it comes to economic recovery.”

“I continue to hear from constituents in my district who are realtors and they are very concerned about the current economic climate in this state, and in particular, the rate at which residents are putting their houses up for sale and leaving Connecticut,” said Rep. Betts.  “People are frustrated and they have had it with the outrageously high taxes and cost of living so they are moving to places where their money will go farther.  I share their concerns and that is why I will continue to be a strong voice in Hartford against the proposed $2 billion tax increase by the Democrat-controlled majority party.”

CT REALTORS^® was organized in 1920 to protect the rights of property ownership and elevate the standards of real estate practice.  Their public advocacy includes working with state and federal lawmakers to protect the rights of real estate owners, and improving the business climate for their more than 15,600 members statewide.
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