HARTFORD—Rep. Selim Noujaim joined House and Senate Republicans today in unveiling an alternative balanced budget that eliminates substantial tax increases proposed by Democrats, while calling for concessions in health care and pension benefits from state workers that would save $662 million.
Further, the “No Tax Increase” budget described at a Capitol news conference today preserves vital programs and services at 2007 funding levels, and it greatly reduces government costs through agency mergers, retirements and salary and benefit concessions, Noujaim said. The two-year spending plan would not reduce municipal aid, and there’s no reduction in education funding to any town. Also, it restores the $500 property tax credit Democrats eliminated recently in their tax-heavy budget plan.
“We took a stand today,” Noujaim said. “People in Waterbury’s east end, and the state, already pay enough. I want to avoid taxing anyone more—especially at a time when people are already losing their jobs and companies are laying off employees.”
Democrats expect Connecticut taxpayers to foot the bill for their inaction to the tune of $3.3 billion—the largest tax increase in the history of the state.
“The Democratic majority jumped the gun, proposing significant tax increases without exploring cost-cutting measures the general public has called for,” Noujaim said.
“This economic crisis gives us a clear reason to retool our state’s government,” he said. “I think we’ve produced a plan that will move us in that direction.”
Republicans balanced their budget by combining state agencies, rolling back spending levels and offering state workers early retirement and bringing state employee benefits more in line with the private sector. It’s the type of changes residents have clamored for.
Noujaim said he’s ready to work with Gov. M. Jodi Rell and Democrats to produce a budget Connecticut can afford, and one that won’t drive more businesses out of state.
The highlights of the Republican alternative are:
• Early retirement to save more than $285 million;
• State worker concessions for salary, health care and pension benefits that save $662 million;
• Folding 23 agencies into six and implementing a hiring freeze to reduce overhead costs. Two more agencies would be merged into the General Fund;
• Overhauling the higher education bureaucracy that duplicates services and drives up tuition for families struggling to pay for college;
• Preserving school and municipal aid;
• Using the Rainy Day Fund for what it was intended – fiscal distress;
• Imposing $900 million in hard cuts;
• Restoring $25 million in municipal aid cut by Democrats and the $500 property tax credit for families earning as little as $46,000;
• Engaging private companies that can perform duties such as state park maintenance;
“We need to consider all responsible options for controlling government spending and building efficiencies,” Noujaim said. “The private sector is doing it. Why can’t we?”
