April 1, 2016

Lawmakers Discuss Fix to 2016 Budget; Prepare for Future Challenges

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Lawmakers Discuss Fix to 2016 Budget; Prepare for Future Challenges

Area state lawmakers issued the following statement regarding Democrats and Republicans joining together to agree upon a fix to the 2016 state budget.

“This bipartisan budget fix accomplishes several positive things,” said Rep. Whit Betts (R-Bristol). “It doesn’t raise taxes on residents or businesses. It doesn’t cut aid to cities and towns and therefore does not harm local property taxpayers. It protects hospitals by restoring funding cuts for Bristol Hospital and other health care facilities across the state, thus protecting services for our most vulnerable residents. We now must focus on the much larger budget challenges ahead.” Betts also represents Plymouth.

“This agreement shows that Democrats and Republicans can solve big problems when we work together and exchange ideas,” said Rep. Cara Pavalock (R-Bristol). “We need to keep these lines of communication open, because billion-dollar budget deficits lie ahead and must be confronted. We’ve got to continue working to put Connecticut back on a stable, sustainable, predictable budget path. That’s the path to success, to job growth, and to an improved quality of life for everyone in our region.”

Sen. Henri Martin (R-Bristol) said, “In the senate district I represent, which includes Bristol, Harwinton, Plainville, Plymouth and Thomaston, I have heard loud and clear from taxpayers that I represent. They don’t want any new taxes. I have heard that message from people of all ages and backgrounds. I have heard it from small business owners in our region. I have heard it from seniors on fixed incomes. That’s why, on behalf of the taxpayers, we need to continue in this spirit of bipartisan cooperation.”

The bipartisan budget deficit mitigation package achieves the following:

No tax hikes.
Closes the state’s $220 million current fiscal year deficit
Restores all $140 million in hospital funding, of which the state’s portion is $31.6 million, which was previously being withheld. This funding is partial reimbursement for hospitals’ Medicaid expenses and the care they provide to those most in need.
Preserves core government services and protects funding for many vital social services.
Eliminates proposed cuts to town aid.
Replaces the governor’s rescissions proposed on March 16.
Is made up of approximately 60% in budget cuts that can be rolled out into future years for long-term savings.