May 4, 2015

Yaccarino Votes Against Massive Democrat Tax Hikes

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State Representative Dave Yaccarino (R-87) today cast his vote against a massive tax increase package offered by majority Democrats on the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee which would include a $40.6 billion plan that increases taxes an incredible $1.131 billion in FY 16 and $709.3 million in FY 17. The tax increase plan follows the $1.5 billion tax increase passed just four years ago. It was passed with all Republican members voting in opposition.

Below are some of the changes linked to the state budget tax proposal:

Extend the sales tax to new goods and services to pay for non-education municipal aid
Dismantle the lock box on the special transportation fund by taking $25 million for operations
Delay an increase in the personal exemption for single filers

Tax Additional Services:

From 1 percent to 6.35 percent increase on Computer and Data Processing Services
Offices of Certified Public Accountants and other accounting services
Architectural Services and Engineering Services
Drafting and Building Inspection Services
Geophysical Surveying and Mapping Services
Interior and Industrial Design Services
Other Specialized Design Services
Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
Human Resources Consulting Services and Marketing Consulting Services
Process, Physical Distribution, and Logistics Consulting Services
Other Management Consulting Services
Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
Direct Mail Advertising and Advertising Material Distribution Services
Marketing Research and Public Opinion Polling
Translation and Interpretation Services
Veterinary Services
All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Golf Courses and Country Clubs
Dry cleaning and Laundry Services (except Coin-Operated)

These tax hikes would hit our middle class the hardest, said Yaccarino. “Eliminating the sales tax exemption for clothing and footwear under $50 would hurt people already overburdened with Connecticut taxes,” he said.

In addition, Yaccarino joined Republican leaders and members of the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee in calling for public hearings on the nearly $ 2 billion in tax changes that the public have never been given an opportunity to speak on.

“A proposal like this would have a detrimental effect on jobs and various trades – we can’t afford anything that will further stifle our economy and drive out jobs,” said Yaccarino. “With nearly 30 new taxes proposed on trade businesses, the public deserves an opportunity to share their opinion.”

Last week Yaccarino stood with House and Senate Republicans and unveiled their Blueprint for Prosperity, a budget alternative that does not raise taxes, is balanced, and restores funds to vital social service programs.