HARTFORD– In bipartisan collaboration, Rep. Marilyn Giuliano, R-23rd District, Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, Westbrook, has joined legislative Republicans and Democrats to adopt a deficit mitigation package that closes $1.2 billion of the budget deficit for the current fiscal year ending this June.The compromise between both parties included no cuts in state aid to cities and towns, no tax increases, and took a $271 million portion of the state’s $1.4 billion Rainy Day Fund.
“We certainly have concerns with this compromise package,” said Rep. Giuliano. “We would have preferred to see greater efforts to streamline government and reduce spending. But members of both parties worked together to address a budget deficit without increasing tax or shifting the burden to cities and towns.”
The final package included $168 million in savings that had been proposed in a Republican deficit mitigation proposal, and managed to remove potential cuts in special education funding and local bridge repairs which were contained in an earlier version of the bill.
Rep. Giuliano noted that a centerpiece of the bill changes a prescription drug coverage program for the elderly, which will save 30,000 Connecticut seniors an average of $1,200 per year in prescription drug costs while simultaneously saving the state money.
“This was an encouraging step,” said Giuliano. “We still have a massive $8-billion deficit for the coming two years. There are still tough choices yet to make this session. We must work to close that deficit, streamline government and hold down taxes in the process. I am hopeful that the two parties can continue to work together to make that happen.”
Rep. Giuliano serves the 23rd Assembly District of Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook and coastal Westbrook in the state House of Representatives.
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