Piscopo, Republicans Offer Alternative Budget Proposal

Hartford- State Representative John Piscopo (R-76) joined fellow Republican lawmakers today in support of a budget proposal that stays within the constitutional spending cap, reduces spending, provides modest tax relief, and increases municipal aid.

This alternative budget plan will not add to the projected two-year 2 billion deficit. Rather, the Republican’s proposal makes smart spending cuts and sensible use of excess revenue to create a common sense approach to Connecticut’s fiscal needs.

“This plan is a responsible step in the right direction toward getting our fiscal house in order.  It is a balanced approach that reduces spending and provides much needed tax relief to the citizens in this state while using excess revenue to pay for much needed programs and paying down our long-term debt,” said Rep. Piscopo.

Some of the state’s excess revenue will be used to pay for much needed programs:

•           $196 million to pay off Economic Recovery Notes in order to reduce long term debt that Democrats have delayed

•           $133 million to accelerate the sales tax exemption on clothing and footwear under $50

•           $60 million to eliminate to the special assessment on unemployment tax

•           $100 million to shore the state employee pension funds

•           A phased-in exemption of all pensions from the income tax, starting at 5 percent

In addition, the Republican plan does not balance its budget on gimmicks, and eliminates the $677 million in gimmicks put in place by the majority party.

“The people of Connecticut deserve an honest budget, not one that is deceitful and balances itself on our taxpayers and our municipalities,” Piscopo further added.

In addition, the Republican budget proposal adds $41 million into the Municipal Revenue Sharing Account. The Republican proposal gives more support to towns and cities than both the Governor’s and Democrat’s budget.  The Republican plan would give Burlington $13,138 Harwinton $7,799, Litchfield $11,633, and Thomaston $10,846, more in state aid than they will receive under the current budget.

Republicans also added $45 million in Critical Program Funding including:

•           restoring $9 million to the retired teacher’s health care plan

•           a 1 percent cost of living increase for home health aides

•           $15 million to maintain primary care provider rates.

•           $4.4 million for DSS staff to ease client waiting lists for

•           Increasing funding for mental health

Lastly, the Republican alternative budget eliminates Governor’s Malloy’s plan to give Connecticut residents a $55 rebate check and halts Keno.

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