Rep. Lezlye Zupkus Working to Make State Government More Affordable

HARTFORD- For the 2019 legislative session, State Rep. Lezlye Zupkus (R-89) has put forward several pieces of legislation to reduce the size of government an additionally she has come out against proposals that will have a devastating effect on the families of Cheshire.

As a member of the House Republican leadership team, Rep. Zupkus and her leadership have worked to address many of the inefficiencies that currently exist in state government and looking for ways to reduce state spending.

• HB-5941, An Act Concerning The Operation Of The New Britain-Hartford Busway which would reduce the service of the busway during nonpeak hours due to lack of ridership.
• HB- 5423, An Act Ending A Waiver Of Work Requirements For Recipients Of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance is a proposal that would promote employment among able-bodied recipients of supplemental nutrition assistance.
• HB- 5762, An Act Concerning The Use Of Contractors By The Department Of Motor Vehicles would require the Department of Motor Vehicles to enter into agreements with contractors to further privatize services currently provided by the department.

“I steadfastly believe government has a lot of waste and we should work to trim some of the bloated bureaucracy. Making government more efficient and saving taxpayers’ money will lower everyone’s tax burden,” said Rep. Zupkus.

Zupkus has also voiced opposition to some of the newest tax hike schemes being floated out of Hartford that would hurt Cheshire families.

Two tax proposals being talked about at the State Capitol are: a bill to increase the sales tax rate to 6.85%. (Senate Bill No. 475.), and a proposal which would create statewide property tax on top of local property taxes. (Senate Bill No. 431).

“The General Assembly seems intent on hurting middle class families. Let’s continue the budget reforms we began two years ago. Higher taxes, whether they be the state sales tax and or local property taxes and tolls will only set back the budget progress we have made,” said Rep. Zupkus.

Zupkus noted she is also opposed to another bill that would hurt Cheshire residents. One is a bill marketed as a way to change the state’s car tax structure but would actually result in higher property taxes for many. The bill includes provisions to reduce certain assessed property values in towns and cities, thereby forcing municipalities to increase mill rates leading to higher property taxes on everyone. (Senate Bill No. 431)

Rep. Zupkus also opposes a bill (Senate Bill No. 102) which would install tolls requiring all drivers to pay with an estimated a cost of $600 per year for the average state commuter.

Zupkus concluded, “I am fully committed this session to pass pro-growth and pro-jobs legislation which will assist Connecticut’s economy to thrive.”