Governor Dannel Malloy’s new budget dominated the headlines in the state yesterday.
Here’s a guide to some of the best coverage happening around the World Wide Web, followed by statements released by Valley lawmakers Wednesday.
“His first budget address wasn’t universally panned, nor was it universally praised by lawmakers and special interest groups.” (FULL STORY)
“It was all smiles after Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s budget address at a press conference held by group of municipal leaders …” (FULL STORY)
“Malloy to unions: $2 billion is doable, or layoffs loom.” (FULL STORY)
“Health and social service cuts bring relief and ‘grave concern.’” (FULL STORY)
“Education: Budget spares K‑12 funding but slashes colleges.” (FULL STORY)
“The speech.” (FULL STORY)
NEW HAVEN INDEPENDENT
“Malloy comes through for the cities.” (FULL STORY)
State Rep. Jason Perillo, R, Shelton:
Prepared statement, state Rep. Themis Klarides, R, represents Derby:
Republican state legislators today expressed deep concern about the levels of taxing and increased spending in Governor Dannel Malloy’s proposed budget.
Deputy House Republican Leaders Themis Klarides of Woodbridge, Orange and Derby along with Vincent J. Candelora of East Haven, North Branford and Wallingford said the governor’s budget fails to curb state spending, while missing an opportunity to fundamentally restructure state government.
“The governor proposed a budget today that actually increases the size of our state budget. This fiscal year the state budget is $19.3 billion. Governor Malloy’s proposal will put next year’s state budget at $19.7 billion and then onto $20.2 billion the following year. Is that a budget cut? Governor Malloy promised shared sacrifice, but where is the government sacrifice?” said Candelora.
“A $3 billion tax hike over the next two years paired with a budget increase will be a hard pill for residents in my area to swallow. If you include the hospital taxes, we’re looking at $4 billion in taxes. Taxes were supposed to be a last resort. Instead we see increased taxes and increased spending,” Klarides said.
The governor’s proposal spends $900 million more over the next two years, according to Malloy’s own budget director Ben Barnes.
Klarides added, “For months we’ve heard this budget would be based on cuts and sacrifices. The people of Connecticut and our small businesses have already sacrificed. We’re getting hit on all fronts with tax increases, but who among us are getting pay raises? With unemployment over 9 percent, tax increases are not the right answer to creating jobs. It’s our small businesses who will be the ones that suffer most.”
“Tax hikes on hair cuts, alcohol sales, clothing and gas hit Connecticut’s middle class the hardest,” said Candelora. “The middle class has already had to cut back. Increasing costs on these things will only hurt the small businesses that provide them.”
State Senator Kevin Kelly, R, represents Shelton:
“Governor Malloy presented the state with a budget plan imposing one of the largest tax increases in our state’s history. Workers, families and businesses are struggling to make cuts to their own budgets to cope with the downturned economy, and our newly elected governor is asking for more: more spending, more taxes and more government. By increasing the state income tax, sales tax, and everything in between, the governor’s budget will harm families, cost the state jobs, and send a message that state government is not accountable.
Governor Malloy’s budget includes over $1.5 billion in new taxes squarely aimed at middle class families when they can least afford it. Governor Malloy’s budget calls for an increased sales tax, gas tax, and new taxes on clothing, haircuts and non prescription drugs like cough medicine and Tylenol, and would even take away the sales tax-free week. He also proposes increases in state spending over the next two fiscal years, raising expenses to $19.7 billion for 2012 and $20 billion for 2013.
Now that the Governor made an attempt at formulating a budget, it will be the legislature’s job to make serious changes to it to make sure it is balanced and fair. It is my hope that as we craft a responsible budget, we keep in mind that our state has a spending problem, not a revenue problem. We must implement real cuts to the budget and support sound public policy to restore our state’s fiscal health for future generations.”
