Posted on June 4, 2019 by jdooley
HARTFORD – State Reps. David Rutigliano (R-123), Laura Devlin (R-134) and Ben McGorty (R-122) and their House Republicans Monday rejected the Democrat budget that raises hundreds of millions in sales taxes, raids the transportation fund to pay for ongoing services and hikes income taxes on thousands of small business owners.
Parking garages, the Internet, dry cleaners, restaurants, plastic bags and scores of other goods and services will all cost Connecticut consumers more beginning July 1 due to sales tax hikes. Thousands of business owners operating as LLCs will pay an estimated $50 million more in income taxes under the Pass Through Entity tax because of the scheme hatched by the majority in order to close an estimated $3 billion deficit over the next two years that is of their making.
The budget passed without a single Republican vote. Overall, taxes were raised by $1.75 Billion over the next two years.
Instead, Republicans offered a series of amendments to reduce government spending, shrink the bloated bureaucracy, privatize certain state agencies, preserve funding for the Special Transportation Fund and keep intact pension exemptions for seniors, as well as send more money for towns and cities. Municipalities would get an additional 5 percent in funding in the second year of the budget.
“Every consumer, every taxpayer gets hit up in this budget,’’ said State Rep. Rutigliano. “The budget is just another hit to the working families of our state which for this legislature unfortunately is par for the course. No new economic direction just the same-old same old.” Read More
Posted on May 20, 2019 by jdooley
HARTFORD- In a state Department of Public Health ceremony for Connecticut Emergency Medical Services (EMS), State Rep. David Rutigliano (R-123) recognized Trumbull Volunteer EMT Jen DiJoseph who was named the recipient of the Connecticut George A. Ganung Award.
Jen DiJoseph received the award for her volunteer dedication to the service of others.
Rep. Rutigliano said, “EMT/EMS volunteers, like Jen go above and beyond to assist our Trumbull residents in many life or death situations. Connecticut and Trumbull EMS/EMT services always have an advocate here in Hartford and I will continue to speak up on matters that affect our community.”
Posted on May 15, 2019 by jdooley
HARTFORD- State Rep. David Rutigliano (R-123) co-sponsored a proposal which would amend the definition of narcotic substance to include fentanyl, which currently is only listed as a synthetic drug, meaning it carries a lesser sentence. The measure passed the House of Representatives on Monday.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, which is more addictive and deadly than opioids or heroin. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fentanyl depresses central nervous system and respiratory functions and is estimated to be 80 times more potent than morphine and hundreds of times more potent than heroin.
The legislation, HB-5524, An Act Increasing the Penalties for the Sale of Fentanyl would increase penalties for the dealing and manufacturing of fentanyl and its derivatives adding them to the same category as heroin.
“We need to punish the street dealers harshly for selling this deadly drug. Fentanyl seems to be finding its way into so many other substances, sometimes instantly killing its users. Changing the definition will permit state prosecutors and judges to level heftier sentences,” said Rep. Rutigliano. Read More
