| Votes Against
Most Implementing Legislation – Votes For
Delaying In-School Suspension Mandate
State Senator Toni Boucher (R-26) will continue to
oppose the recently adopted $37.6 billion biennial state
budget by voting against most of the implementing legislation
under consideration by the State Senate today.
Senator Boucher noted that the legislature has acted
on four deficit mitigation packages to date, and that
the recently adopted biennial budget drains the Rainy
Day Fund, raises taxes by $1 billion and borrows another
$2 billion. She also noted that just this week Democratic
Comptroller Nancy Wyman warned the General Assembly
that the state may be facing a $500 million shortfall.
“I voted against this budget last month because
Connecticut families and businesses cannot afford the
new taxes, the increased fees, or the continued level
of government spending it requires. It would make no
sense and, in fact, be irresponsible of me to vote today
in favor of legislation that implements the worst aspects
of this state budget. Good programs in our district
that could have been maintained will be reduced because
of the bloat of state government,” said Senator
Boucher.
However, Senator Boucher said that she supported implementing
legislation that delays implementation of a new state
law requiring schools to provide in-school suspension
until 2010.
“The bill before us today that delays implementing
the new in-school suspension is a bright spot in an
otherwise disappointing session. I routinely speak with
local elected officials in my district who have pleaded
with me to repeal, or at least, delay the requirement
for in-school suspension. I understand how state mandates
burden towns by requiring them to carry our policies
with little or no funding because I served as chair
of a local school board, a selectman and as a member
of the state education board during previous recessions.
I understand the challenges they are now facing. This
issue is a very clear example of a policy decision that
should be made locally – or towns should receive
full funding from the state to implement it. So, of
course, I support the school districts on this issue,”
said Senator Boucher.
Senator Boucher said she cannot support other budget
implementing legislation before the Senate today. She
noted that Republican legislators offered several alternatives
to the biennial state budget adopted last month that
would have helped to make our state more competitive
and save jobs. Senator Boucher said that if Connecticut’s
tax policy were more favorable than that of surrounding
states, Connecticut could more easily attract and retain
businesses.
“Among the many negative aspects of this budget
is the possibility of fare increase for Metro North
commuters. If we were to cut as little as $20 million
each year out of this biennial budget, we could certainly
avoid increasing train fares. That, along with the decision
to raise taxes and fees rather than to make our state
government smaller and more cost efficient, makes it
just as impossible for me to support most of this implementing
legislation today as it was for me to vote in favor
of the budget last month,” said Senator Boucher.
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