State Representatives DebraLee Hovey (R-112) joined Republican Legislative Leaders today to unveil a no-tax increase budget proposal.
The Republican budget is an alternative plan to Governor Malloy’s $1.9 billion tax increase. With a focus on core government functions, republicans have drafted a proposal for Fiscal Years 2012 and 2013 that establishes a right-sized state government while preserving aid to citizens, cities and towns.
“The budget we are offering is a far cry from the $1.9 billion tax increase the governor has offered,” said Rep. DebraLee Hovey. “We don’t raise taxes on any individuals, businesses, goods, or services, but we make sure that municipal aid is preserved. Government has long ago outgrown the ability of people to pay for it. This budget makes government live within its means without hitting the middle class hardest when they can afford it least.”
Click above to view the details of the Republican Budget Alternative.
Highlights of the Republican Alternative Budget include:
- No new taxes on any business, individual, employer, service or good.
- More than $1.5 billion in spending cuts from Gov. Malloy’s plan.
- Preservation of municipal aid at current levels for all towns and cities.
- Enhanced Medicaid fraud detection to save an estimated $224 million.
- More than $46 million in savings through agency consolidations.
- Streamlining government through attrition and reductions to the 54,000 member state workforce.
- No borrowing for state operating expenses.
- Full restoration of the $500 property tax credit cut by Gov. Malloy.
- The pre-payment of $200 million in the state’s highest cost debt, allowing greater flexibility in budgeting throughout state agencies.
- Restoration of the sales tax free week to help Connecticut consumers support household budgets.
- Elimination of longevity payments for state employees.
Of the proposed reductions in state-funded positions, 1,250 would be targeted toward management. The Bipartisan Commission on Enhanced Agency Outcomes recommended that Connecticut cut in half the number of managers to come in line with the private sector.
