- The Connecticut Democratic legislature is set to vote Monday on a two-year, $51.1 billion state budget that includes a historic income tax cut.
- If signed by Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont, the budget will go into effect on July 1.
- House Republican Minority Leader Vincent Candelora said of the tax cuts, “I’m going to say that Connecticut is a very tight state, so it will never get enough.” “But we are trying. We recognize that the middle class needs help.”
Connecticut lawmakers are expected to approve a two-year, $51.1 billion state budget that includes a historic cut to the state’s personal income tax on Monday, possibly in a bipartisan vote.
The Democratic-controlled House was on track for an evening vote. The Senate, also dominated by Democrats, needs to pass the bill before the general assembly closes at midnight Wednesday.
First proposed by Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont, the tax cut plan is projected to benefit about 1.1 million of the state’s 1.7 million taxpayers by permanently lowering the marginal tax rate for the first time since 1996. ing. The tax cut is being billed as the largest tax cut since the tax was enacted. First implemented in 1991.
Connecticut Senate passes bill allowing voters to vote in person, early
“Connecticut’s fiscal health is stronger today than it has been in decades,” Lamont said when he first called for a rate cut. “Given the state’s strong financial position, it’s time to cut taxes for Connecticut residents.”
House Republican Minority Leader Vincent Canderola welcomed the tax cuts, even though Republicans wanted more tax cuts, including in the business community.
“Of course, Connecticut is a very tight state, so I’m going to say that we’ll never get enough,” he said. “But we are trying. We recognize that the middle class needs help.”
The two-year tax and spending package also enhances state assistance to local school districts. Fund a “baby bond” program that sets aside up to $3,200 for low-income infants. Raise prices for ambulance services. Expand the Gun Violence Eradication Program to two more cities. Increase the wages of prisoners. It also includes additional funding for nonprofit social service agencies and state universities, although proponents say it’s not enough given state resources.
Connecticut lawmakers will send a $51.1 billion budget bill to the desk of Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont on Monday.
“Look, could I have spent a few hundred million dollars more? Yes, I think so. I think that’s where our caucus was. We figured there was a way to do it….but , it didn’t happen.” House Speaker Matthew Ritter, a Democrat, maintains he is still happy with the policy. There was disagreement between the Legislative Democrats and Lamont over whether to spend about $200 million over the state’s spending cap.
State Comptroller Sean Scanlon said last week that the state would end the year ending June 30 with a surplus of $1.6 billion, an increase of $16.1 million from May.
Jean-Carl Casa, president and CEO of the CT Community Nonprofit Alliance, which represents institutions that provide services, said, “The 2.5% increase is not enough, and the state has hundreds of community nonprofits. “We can do more for organizations and the half million people they serve.” They range from mental health and substance abuse treatment to homeless shelters and prison readmission programs. He said the budget would make it more difficult to hire workers, force programs to close, and lengthen waiting lists for services.
Join us for a complete ban on underage marriage licenses
We are also disappointed with how much funding is set aside for the state’s new early voting program, which will affect general elections, primaries and special elections after January 1, 2024. is expected to give Democratic Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas said of the budget: Voters and funding are “short”, lacking “about half of the minimum funding required by local governments” to successfully implement the program. She vowed to continue seeking additional funding in the coming year.
Candelola expected much of Monday’s debate to focus on non-budgetary language, including budget proposals. He gave an example of a federally qualified health center provision that could violate federal law.
“It sounds technical, but the reality is that there are people trying to pass laws that go against federal law, and that’s dangerous,” he said.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The new budget will go into effect on July 1, if it is finally signed by Mr. Lamont.
