HARTFORD – State Representative Marilyn Giuliano of Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook and Westbrook joined Republican legislators Tuesday, April 19 in unveiling a “budget for the little guy,” a two-year plan that balances Connecticut’s books without increasing taxes on everyday goods and services such as gasoline, back-to-school clothing, non-prescription drugs and haircuts.
Giuliano and her colleagues created a plan that is a credible alternative to the controversial plan offered by Democrat Gov. Dannel Malloy, who proposed one of the largest tax increase in state history, as well as roughly $1 billion more in state spending despite Connecticut’s projected $3.5 billion budget deficit.
“I’ve heard first hand from many residents in my area how unhappy they are with the Governor’s budget proposal and how heavy handed it will hit the shoreline community. We as legislative Republicans propose a no spending increase and a no tax-increase budget for the people of Connecticut. Democrats said it couldn’t be done. We proved them wrong and stand today with a real alternative. This is ‘The People’s Budget,’ in that it looks out for regular people like us,” said Giuliano.
The budget alternative significantly reduces the size and cost of government while protecting the social safety net and preserves state aid to municipalities. This is accomplished by focusing on core government functions, eliminating waste and creating efficiencies.
The result is a no-tax increase balanced budget proposal that has been vetted by the non-partisan Office of Fiscal Analysis (OFA). Giuliano and her colleagues agreed, the plan offers a fiscally and socially responsible solution to the cultural and economic challenges facing our state.
(View the Republican presentation here.)
“I work in our school system so legislation affecting our Connecticut public education in the General Assembly is of particular priority to me. In our proposal, we fully fund municipal and education aid for our cities and towns. This is a home run,” said Giuliano.
Nicknamed “the state budget for the little guy,” highlights of the Republican Alternative Budget include:
• No new taxes on any business, individual, employer or services or goods.
• The Republican budget cuts spending from Gov. Malloy’s plan by $1.2 billion.
• The budget preserves municipal aid for all towns and cities.
• Enhanced Medicaid fraud detection units will save an estimated $224 million in wrongful payments.
• Republicans plan to save more than $46 million through agency consolidations.
• No hospital tax that would increase health care costs.
• State government will be streamlined through attrition and reduction in the 54,000- state payroll.
• No money will be borrowed for day-to-day state operations.
• The $500 property tax credit that Gov. Malloy wanted to abolish is fully restored.
• More than $200 million in the state’s highest cost debt will be pre-paid, thus allowing for greater flexibility in budgeting throughout state agencies.
• It restores the sales tax amnesty week that every Connecticut consumer can use to support household budgets and no new clothing taxes like those in the Governor’s proposal.
(View the line-by-line budget proposal here.)
Middle class families, employers and businesses will all benefit from the Republican budget which does raise sales taxes, Republicans said. “Anyone who has to get up and drive to work would pay more under the Democratic budget,’’ House Republican Leader Lawrence Cafero (R-Norwalk) said. “The Democratic sales tax hike will be felt most by middle income families and businesses who pay more than 50 percent of all sales taxes in Connecticut.’’
“Legislative Republicans today offer a clear alternative. We can continue tax and spend policies with the never ending expansion of expensive government over our lives, or we can listen to the people of Connecticut and offer affordable solutions to governing. My colleagues and I approached the state budget from the perspective that institutions are meant to serve the people, not suffocate people. We must live within our means, foster job growth, reduce debt, make everyday living more affordable and do so without bankrupting the future. What you see here isn’t shared sacrifice, but opportunity and I’m looking forward to working the legislature as we move forward,” said Giuliano.
