State Rep. Lezlye Zupkus: Response to Gov.’s State Budget Proposal

On February 20th, Gov. Ned Lamont presented his much anticipated first budget plan to the General Assembly.

I had been optimistic about Governor Lamont bringing a business-style approach to state government. He has consistently been open to all good ideas and sensible viewpoints, seems steadfast in his commitment to collaboration and inclusivity. It is my hope the Governor continues to display some of these qualities as we move forward in the legislative session, because many of the proposals outlined in his budget address undoubtedly will need some work.

Some of the highlights of the governor’s budget address were: his call to collaborate on public/private partnerships for delivery of social services. Our non-profit providers do wonderful work and we should foster a better relationship between the state and these providers. We must make government more efficient and work better for state residents.

The budget which is his blueprint of choices for addressing Connecticut’s fiscal challenges and closing a nearly $4 billion deficit in the $40 billion 2-year budget seems to be a major attack on middle class families and small businesses struggling for their survival.

Gov. Lamont unfortunately led with (revenue enhancements) which really means higher taxes for you and me, and not reducing the size and scope of government. He wants to expand the state sales tax, to include dozens of items not previously taxed, including non-prescription drugs, parking, sugary drinks, plastic bags, bicycle helmets and child car seats, barber shops and beauty salons, veterinary services.

Secondly, the governor changed his position on tolling tractor trailers only and he now is proposing to toll all-types of vehicles on our major interstates (50 toll gantries on I-91, I-95, I-84 and RT.15). I oppose a tolls proposal which is going to hit the low and middle class worker the hardest.

Next, I have worked hard over the last several years to ensure that our municipalities receive the education funding they are promised by the Education Cost Sharing formula, and that they are not put on the hook to pay for the teacher pension liabilities that were promised by state government. I am extremely disappointed that Governor Lamont has decided to propose that municipalities cover 25% of teacher’s pension obligations.

I am also happy to hear the governor wants to put Connecticut on a ‘debt diet’ to shrink the state’s borrowing by 39 percent. The state’s credit card is maxed out and our state debt is skyrocketing, we need to stop crippling future generations with long-term debt obligations.

As a member of the Appropriations committee, I am heavily involved in the budget process, we will be having public hearings on the state budget and then in April we will be voting a budget out of committee.