April 21, 2017

Rep. Rutigliano Pushes for Lower State Tax Burden

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HARTFORD-State Rep. David Rutigliano (R-Trumbull) expressed disappointment that Connecticut once again has the distinction have the latest “Tax Freedom Day” of any state in the nation according to the Tax Foundation, a non-partisan tax research group.

Tax Freedom Day is the day each year when the average citizen has made enough money to pay their combined local, state and federal tax bills.

“I am stunned by the continued lack of understanding when it comes to basis economics. In the last 6 years Connecticut has raised taxes 3 times, including the two largest in the state’s history only to find out the state revenue collections fall short each year,” said Rep. Rutigliano. “The message the Democrats keep sending residents is ‘please leave our state’ as they have their hand in your wallet.”

The state budget is perpetually in fiscal crisis. The next two-year budget, which begins on July 1st is projected to have a deficit of $3.7 billion.

This legislative session the Democrats at the State Capitol are having a public hearing in the legislature’s tax-writing committee on tax proposals that would:

Increase the state’s sales tax
Impose an additional tax on the state’s highest earners
Allow municipalities to tax real estate at a higher rate

“The Speaker of the House Joe Aresimowicz has said ‘taxes have to be on the table’ when discussing any state budget proposal. I disagree completely. Connecticut residents are maxed out and now are leaving our state to low tax states in troves. The state employees, which are comprised of 1/3 of our state budget, need to come to the table and provide union concessions that we can budge for long term,” said Rep. Rutigliano, House Republican Whip. “With the highest tax burden per capita of any state in the nation, it’s no wonder our Tax Freedom Day comes later than any other state: May 21. Until state leaders curb spending, create a stable tax and regulatory landscape and stop passing legislation that fuels Connecticut’s anti-business climate, we will continue to suffer from a lagging economy and shrinking workforce.

“I stand with my colleagues in opposing any additional burden, we need to instead dramatically cut state spending and government regulation so that we are able to cut taxes and grow jobs; therefore keeping more people in our wonderful state,” said Rep. Rutigliano.