June 9, 2015

Rutigliano says new Budget will hurt Trumbull Families

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HARTFORD— Rep. Dave Rutigliano (R-123) firmly opposed the Democrat proposed two year budget, which passed in the House Chamber, June 3.

Estimated to raise taxes in Connecticut by $1.5 billion, the budget increases spending by 7.5%, essentially obliterating the spending cap. It raises top marginal rates for personal income tax to 6.99%, reduces property tax credits, and reduces phase out thresholds for married and single filers, essentially increasing taxes on the middle class by $152 million over two years.

The budget also raises taxes on cigarettes and allows for keno gambling in restaurants and outlets that sell lottery tickets.

Rep. Rutigliano, member of the Finance, Revenue & Bonding Committee, said he is against this budget being balanced on the backs of middle class residents and potential new revenue streams like keno and new cigarette taxes.

“This will be the second highest tax increase in Connecticut’s history. Our residents and businesses will only take so much. I hope that people will not choose to move their homes and businesses out of state, but the state can’t keep taking all of their money and expect them to succeed here,” said Rep. Rutigliano.

The Republican delegation offered a balanced budget with no new taxes. This was not considered by the governor or the majority party.

Aetna, Travelers, and GE issued statements against the passage of this budget, prior to its introduction on the house floor. GE threatened to leave the state if the budget, as proposed, is signed into law. Connecticut firms like GE are opposed to a new unitary tax that would increase corporate taxes by an estimated $27 million.

“These aren’t veiled threats,” said Rep. Rutigliano. “These are some of the state’s largest employers. Sikorsky just announced layoffs. Our state is hurting, and this budget doesn’t address the problem. It doesn’t address State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition (SEBAC) money. It doesn’t address the recent raise that the Governor gave to his staff. It goes against the Governor’s campaign promise to not raise taxes. It makes us uncompetitive with our neighbors,” he said.

All Republican members of the House of Representatives voted against the budget when it was raised for a vote, but it passed, 73-70. It is currently before the Governor.