Candelora and Fellow Republicans Reveal No Tax Increase Budget

HARTFORD – State Representative Vincent J. Candelora joined Republican legislators today in unveiling a “budget for the little guy,” a two-year plan that balances Connecticut’s books without increasing taxes on everyday goods and services such as gasoline, back-to-school clothing, non-prescription drugs and haircuts.

The Republican plan is a credible alternative to the controversial plan offered by Democrat Gov. Dannel Malloy, who proposed one of the largest tax increase in state history, as well as roughly $1 billion more in state spending despite Connecticut’s projected $3.5 billion budget deficit.

“Like the Governor, I have met with taxpayers to listen to their ideas and concerns. The result you see here is a no-tax increase balanced budget proposal that protects people, not special interests and institutions. Our plan is a fiscally and socially responsible solution to the cultural and economic challenges facing our state,” said Candelora.

The budget alternative significantly reduces the size and cost of government while protecting the social safety net and preserves state aid to municipalities. This is accomplished by focusing on core government functions, eliminating waste and creating efficiencies. 

Half of the proposed reductions in state-funded positions, 1,250 would be targeted toward non-union management. The current manager to employee ratio average for state workers is 1 to 6 and the Republican budget would reduce the management ratio down 1 to 12. 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. 

Nicknamed “the state budget for the little guy,” highlights of the 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.
• No hospital tax that would increase health care costs.
• 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 and no new clothing taxes like those in the Governor’s proposal.     

“The difference you see when comparing the two budgets is Governor Malloy formulated a budget from the eyes of preserving the interests of institutions; whether they be agencies, labor unions, large corporations who came out and endorsed the Governor’s budget on Monday; whatever those big interests might be. We sought to structure out budget from the eyes of the everyday person. There is no tax increases on the cost of clothing, no hospital tax that would raise the cost of health care, no raise in the gas tax, no increase in sales tax, maintaining municipal aid, keeping the $500 property tax credit for home owners… these are all examples of a fundamental difference in the way we approach how to do business in Connecticut. What you see is responsible governance offered by Republicans,” said Candelora.

Middle class families, employers and businesses will all benefit from the Republican budget which does raise sales taxes, Republicans said. “Anyone who has to get up and drive to work would pay more under the Democratic budget,’’ House Republican Leader Lawrence 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.’’ 

“Today we’ve taken hard times and with some hard work, turned it into opportunity,” said Candelora.

For more information about the budget proposal or to see clips from the news conference, visit www.CTHouseRules.com. 

Candelora represents East Haven, North Branford and Wallingford in the Connecticut General Assembly.