Representative Jason Perillo (R-113) today expressed concern about the levels of taxing and increased spending in Governor Dannel Malloy’s proposed budget, and said it set the wrong priorities for the State of Connecticut while wasting an opportunity to fundamentally restructure state government and make government live within its means.
The legislator said the governor’s proposal spends $900 million more than is being spent in the current year, according to Malloy’s own budget director Ben Barnes. The budget increases income and sales taxes by $1.5 billion squarely on the middle class who are already squeezed in this economic crisis.
“Governor Malloy deserves some credit for refusing to borrow more money for our operating expenses. However, this proposed budget represents a real missed opportunity to make the kinds of necessary structural changes to state government that would force it to live within its means,” said Representative Perillo. “Before we have the audacity to raise taxes on the residents of Connecticut, we have an obligation to make sure we have cut everything from government we can. The governor has failed to do that.”
Perillo noted that while neighboring states are making the tough decisions and cutting the size and scope of state government they are doing so without calling for higher taxes.
“Take a look at states across the region. Take New York for example, where a Democratic governor is making sweeping cuts to state government,” said Representative Perillo. “Our governor is apparently not interested in making those tough decisions.”
Perillo did praise the governor for seeking concessions from unions in the amount of $1 billion and his effort to get more rescission authority, as well as the fact that the budget does not cut aid to municipalities which could result in greater property tax increases.
Yes Jason it is very concerning that taxes are being raised 900 million just to spend it. I could understand why taxes would need to be raised to pay off the debt but not for more spending. Anyway I hope all is well with you and your family.
Don
Mr. Perillo: I have a real problem with this “coupon” tax that Malloy has proposed. I may be wrong, but something somes illegal to charge someone more tax on an item then they actually spend. If I’m not spending that money how can it be taxed legally? Is the store reporting it’s profits on the actual price of an item or the amount you spend??? Unfair to middle class trying to get clothing and shoes for their children. I guess Mr Malloy is too rich to worry about families struggling in this economy. It’s really diappointing how little the government cares about the people paying the bulk of the taxes.