A Disappointing Plan

On April 2nd, the State Democrats in Hartford proposed the largest tax hike in the state’s history. They did not consolidate or eliminate one of the several, duplicative state agencies and commissions. Moreover, the union heavy workforce was not trimmed down at all, not even through attrition.

Just how do the Democrats propose balancing our budget? They borrow money through bonding and by raising taxes! Talk about the easy way out! The people of Connecticut have a right to be furious with the super majority Democrats and their leadership.

Under their plan, no taxpayer is spared. Even the $500 property tax credit we now all enjoy would disappear. They also proposed: a 30% increase in corporate surcharge taxes and a 30% increase in the Estate Tax.

Many organizations rate Connecticut the least business friendly state in the union, and that was before the Democrats move yesterday to all but assure that we retain that dubious honor.

The non-partisan Office of Fiscal Analysis released a report in 2008 showing that 78% of former Connecticut residents saying that the Estate Tax was either the main reason, or one of the main reasons they left the state.

Additionally, in their proposal, a $65 million expense was pushed out to 2010 and called a “savings” in 2009! Do you do this in your own family budget?

The people of Connecticut demand that Hartford act as they all do in their personal lives. When will we see the “heavy lifting” required of the legislature that we all see in our daily lives?

As a 1st year legislator, I am disappointed at the political will, I have just witnessed. I know my fellow freshmen share my astonishment. I am convinced that we need more “real world” citizens serving up here, ones who acquired business knowledge through first hand experience, and not through text books.

Just as I cast my no vote at 4:45 p.m., Gov. Rell announced to the state she would veto the legislation if it reached her desk. Thank goodness we have a Governor who understands the need to reform government. As our new President as often said, we need to change the way we do things. Nowhere is that truer than in Hartford, CT.

Fred Camillo
State Representative, 151st District