Posted on February 21, 2019 by admin
HARTFORD – State Representative Rosa C. Rebimbas (R-Naugatuck) says Governor Lamont’s budget proposal has a long way to go, criticizing his plans to raise taxes as well as his modest efforts to rein in state spending.
“While I appreciate the governor’s work on this proposal and his willingness to hear our concerns, this document, in its current form, would not receive my vote,” Rep. Rebimbas said. “In his speech, the governor acknowledged the state’s fiscal problems and the strain it has put on the middle class. Unfortunately, expanding the sales tax to once protected items and services, and tolling all motor vehicles will fall directly on the shoulders of the middle class. We’ve been down this road before and it doesn’t work.”
During the campaign, Lamont pledged to propose tolls on trucks only. Now, he wishes to expand that to all motor vehicles. His office expects revenue to be $800 million net beginning in 2024 – a number Rep. Rebimbas called “unrealistic.” She was also critical of his plans to tax sugary beverages, plastic bags, liquor bottle deposits and e-cigarettes, which will directly affect individuals living on fixed incomes. In addition, the sales tax would expand to non-prescription drugs, veterinary services, home renovations, professional services, including legal and accounting, and much more.
Rep. Rebimbas acknowledged some common ground in the governor’s budget including a commitment to eliminate the business entity and gift taxes, shrink state spending and borrowing, and restore the property tax credit to everyone.
“I was encouraged by some of the positives as this will provide some common ground during negotiations,” Rep. Rebimbas said. “Having said that, I am deeply concerned about other portions of the budget proposal, including the refinancing of pension costs and the added burden it will place on local governments. Expanding the sales tax will be the least of our concerns if our property taxes go through the roof, which would be the direct result of shifting teacher retirement costs onto municipalities. I also believe we need to take a closer look at union contracts and how they’re structured. I think it is unfair to ask the private sector to pay for public employee benefits, which they themselves do not receive. Unfortunately, that is exactly what happened yesterday when the Democrat-controlled House approved the public defenders’ union contract. If we’re going to get this right, we need bold changes.”
Before session adjourns, the Appropriations Committee will need to pass a spending package while the Finance, Revenue & Bonding Committee will need to approve a revenue plan. These bills will come before both chambers and, if adopted, will go to the governor’s desk for his signature.
Posted on February 8, 2019 by admin
WHO: State Sens. George S. Logan and Joan Hartley, State Rep. Rosa C. Rebimbas
WHAT: Naugatuck Office Hours
WHERE: Naugatuck Town Hall, 229 Church Street, Naugatuck, CT
WHEN: Tomorrow, Saturday, February 9, from 12 – 2 p.m.
This is an opportunity for constituents to ask questions and discuss any state issue(s) of importance to them. This event is free and open to the public.
If you are unable to attend, Rep. Rebimbas is always available to speak privately. See contact information below.
Office Phone: (800) 842-1423
Email: Rosa.Rebimbas@housegop.ct.gov
Posted on January 15, 2019 by admin
Following their first public forum of the 2019 Legislative Session, State Representative Dorinda Borer (D-West Haven) was named leader to represent the Democratic members and State Representative Rosa Rebimbas (R- Naugatuck) was elected to lead the Republican members as joint co-chairs in the Bipartisan Women’s Caucus.
“I’m incredibly thrilled and proud to be representing the women leaders and this caucus which is not the largest and most influential caucus at the Capitol,” said Rep. Borer. “Women’s issues are all encompassing; they are not strictly issues that involve women. They involve men, children, and every aspect of our day to day lives. We had great successes during the last legislative session and I look forward to growing those accomplishments as we enter the 2019 legislative session. We are 61 women strong and I’m so delighted to watch this caucus flourish as one of the largest in the General Assembly.”
“I am honored to be co-chairing the Bipartisan Women’s Caucus once again,” Rep. Rebimbas said. “This incredible group of legislators is dedicated to advancing bills that will enhance the lives of women and their families across the state. Thank you to everyone who was able to join us today and I look forward to working with my colleagues on these issues during session and throughout the year.”
In Connecticut, women make up of 52 percent of the population and women owned businesses employee an estimated 95,000. The bipartisan caucus met early Tuesday to kick off the legislative session and stress the importance of women’s issues in our state. This session, the caucus will include 20 freshman legislators.
Rep. Borer will be stepping into a role previously held by State Representative Kim Rose (D-Milford). “Representative Rose helped navigate the women’s caucus during a difficult budget year, but stayed focused on driving important initiatives for everyone. I hope to build upon the influential work she began,” said Rep. Borer. “I look forward to continuing the bipartisan partnership with Rep. Rebimbas to accomplish our shared goals.”
“This is a monumental year for women in the legislature,” said Rep. Rose. “During the election cycle, we cheered on 132 women running for a seat in the General Assembly. Now, at our first meeting on the Bipartisan Women’s Caucus we are pleased to welcome our 20 new members. This is a very exciting time to be a part of the caucus and I’m thrilled that Rep. Borer has been chosen as my successor. It was a pleasure working with Rep. Rebimbas for the last 4 years. We made significant strides and formed a friendship”
In attendance at the meeting was Republican Leader Themis Klarides (R-Derby, Orange, Woodbridge), Majority Leader Matt Ritter (D-Hartford), CT NOW President Cindy Wolfe Boynton, Greenwich YMCA Chair and member of Governor Lamont’s Women’s Policy Committee Mary Lee Kiernan, Permeant Commission on the Status of Women in Connecticut member Tina Courpas, and Arvia Walker of Planned Parenthood of Southern New England.
During the last legislative session, the women’s caucus supported several bills ranging from healthcare benefits and access to pay equity. As they enter the 2019 legislative session, the Women’s Caucus will be reviewing and discussing about the proposed bills.
