April 19, 2011

Rep. Yaccarino, Republicans unveil No-Tax-Increase budget for 2012-2013

This article was archived from the previous WordPress site. Formatting and media should be close, but may not match the original post perfectly.

Representative Dave Yaccarino (R-87) today joined Republican Legislative Leaders and unveiled a no-tax increase balanced budget proposal for Fiscal Years 2012 and 2013. By focusing on core government functions, eliminating waste and creating efficiencies, the Republican Alternative Budget significantly reduces the size and cost of government while protecting the social safety net and preserving state aid to municipalities.

“The tough choices must be made and the Republican plan announced today shows we have both a plan and a commitment to the people of Connecticut to do what’s right for our state without raising taxes,” Rep. Yaccarino said. “This budget is for the people of Connecticut and, as such, does not include hikes in the sales tax, the gas tax, back to school supplies, haircuts or non-prescription drugs.”

The budget unveiled today also utilizes a time-tested approach to finance and pays down the state’s highest interest debt first to save the state millions in interest payment over the life of these loans.

View the Republican presentation here

Highlights of the (view line-by-line items here) Republican Alternative Budget include:

• No new taxes on any business, individual, employer or services or goods.
• The Republican budget cuts spending from Gov. Malloy’s plan by $1.2 billion.
• The budget preserves municipal aid for all towns and cities.
• Enhanced Medicaid fraud detection units will save an estimated $224 million in wrongful payments.
• Republicans plan to save more than $46 million through agency consolidations.
• State government will be streamlined through attrition and reduction in the 54,000- state payroll.
• No money will be borrowed for day-to-day state operations.
• The $500 property tax credit that Gov. Malloy wanted to abolish is fully restored.
• More than $200 million in the state’s highest cost debt will be pre-paid, thus allowing for greater flexibility in budgeting throughout state agencies.
• It restores the sales tax amnesty week that every Connecticut consumer can use to support household budgets.

“Anyone who has to get up and drive to work would pay more under the Democratic budget,” House Republican Leader Lawrence F. Cafero (R-Norwalk) said. “The Democratic sales tax hike will be felt most by middle income families and businesses who pay more than 50 percent of all sales taxes in Connecticut.”

Half of the proposed reductions in state-funded positions, 1,250 would be targeted toward management. The Bipartisan Commission on Enhanced Agency Outcomes recommended that Connecticut cut in half the number of managers to come in line with the private sector.

“We have two choices; continue down the same spiral with higher taxes, fees and spending or tighten our belts and create a state government that operates efficiently, with less waste and increased productivity. I believe if we work together, and share the sacrifice, brighter days are ahead.”