Piscopo Op-Ed: State Comptroller Lembo Announces New Website

In an effort to keep you informed, and to maintain transparency with your state government, I wanted to share with you, an important state resource.

The Office of the State Comptroller has launched a new website called ‘Open Connecticut’.  The purpose of the website is to centralize state financial data and simplify access to important information about the state budget and its financial future.  I applaud Comptroller Lembo for his efforts as this is a good step toward maintaining a transparent and open dialogue with the people of Connecticut.

Open Connecticut is accessible at www.osc.ct.gov/openct/.

The reason I feel it is important to share this resource with you is because this is YOUR money!  You have a right to know where your money is going and how it’s being used!  On this user-friendly website, you will now have easy access to find answers to basic questions such as, ‘What’s in the state budget?  How much did we spend on a program or vendor?  Where did our deficit come from?’  The answers to these and many more questions can be found by accessing the Open Connecticut site.

I encourage everyone to become familiar with this great resource available to you. I want you to be as informed as possible about where our state revenue comes from, and where that revenue is being spent.

Currently, the state of our financial affairs in Connecticut is abysmal!  A record tax increase, coupled with out-of control spending has caused the State of Connecticut to report a deficit of almost $2 Billion over the next two years.  Folks, this is simply unacceptable!  I hope you find this as outrageous as I do.

As you know, I vehemently opposed the Governor’s record tax increase during the last legislative term.  There is no reason for the State budget to increase every year.  I will do what I can to vote against bills that increase spending and push for bills that cut it.  As your State Representative, I will continue to advocate for common sense legislation that will balance our budget and bring Connecticut’s economy back to life.

I encourage you to stay connected and stay informed!

If you have any comments, questions, or concerns on this or any issue, I would really like to hear from you!

Please call my office at 1-800-842-1423 or visit my website www.cthousegop.com.