Several Ansonia aldermen are speaking out.
They are urging the governor to sign the bipartisan state budget bill which was passed by the Connecticut House and Senate last week.
I am speaking out, too.
Did you know that our bipartisan budget plan boosts Ansonia by more than $2 million in 2019 and Derby by more than $1 million in 2019?
I was proud to join with Democrats and Republicans to pass a plan which:
- increases k‑12 education funding. We do it with a formula that takes into account poverty, enrollment and number of English Language Learners in order to help our neediest communities.
- does not shift teacher pension costs onto towns and cities, a cost that could fall on the backs of teachers, schools and property taxpayers.
- does not tax your cell phones.
- has no new tax on non-prescription drugs and medicines
- has no real estate conveyance tax hike
- has no sales tax hike
- has no tax hike on restaurants
- has no property tax hikes
- has no income tax hikes
- has no tolls or mileage taxes
- has no home heating oil and propane energy taxes.
Our plan restores funding for core services to our neediest and most vulnerable residents, including:
- job opportunities for people with disabilities
- mental health grants
- substance abuse treatment to combat the opioid epidemic
- the CT Home Care program, which allows seniors to stay in their homes rather than being forced into nursing homes.
- Care4Kids
- Meals on Wheels
To control and reduce state government spending, our plan:
- contains an enforceable cap on state spending
- requires an effective cap on state borrowing
- requires the legislature to vote on state labor contracts
- eliminates tuition waivers that currently allow UConn employees and their dependents to attend UConn for free, while continuing to provide a significant $1 billion in state aid to UConn and UConn Health Center over two years.
Finally, when you see and read about folks complaining about a lack of a state budget, remember this:
The governor and Democrat leaders have yet to offer a budget that can actually be passed by the General Assembly.
That’s a fact.
Meanwhile, the legislature has, in fact, passed a budget.
And it’s on Gov. Malloy’s desk.
It’s a budget that aims to steer our state in a new and sustainable direction.
The only way chaos can ensue now is if Gov. Malloy decides to veto this budget that has the support of Democrats and Republicans.
I urge area taxpayers to contact Gov. Malloy today and urge him to “Sign The Bipartisan Plan!” at [email protected] and at 860 566‑4840.
And while you’re at it: tell him what he can do with that ridiculous Cell Phone Tax idea.
The writer represents Ansonia and Derby in the state Senate.
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