State Senator Dan Debicella (R-21st) has submitted his legislative proposals for this session on behalf of Shelton residents. Senator Debicella’s proposals are aimed at a wide variety of issues impacting Shelton, from revitalizing downtown to lowering state taxes to increasing open space.

Senator Debicella is seeking $2 million in state bond money for improved infrastructure in the Canal Street area. “I am proud to be working with State Representative Dick Belden (R-113th) and Mayor Mark Lauretti on downtown redevelopment,” Debicella said. “My legislation will provide the funds for improved roads, environmental cleanup, and other improvements necessary for downtown redevelopment.”

According to Debicella, the money will go to the Shelton Economic Development Corporation for “Phase 2” of downtown revitalization. Phase 1 has focused on the building of the River Walk and converting old factories into residential condos (like at the new “Birmingham Condos”). Phase 2 will focus on Canal Street, where over 100,000 square feet of commercial space, 600 residential units, and 1,400 parking spaces will be built—all of it bringing in over $3 million a year in tax revenue to Shelton.

Lowering taxes in Connecticut is another priority for Debicella. “We have done a great job in Shelton of creating a virtuous cycle of low taxes, which leads to new businesses and economic growth, which in turn keeps taxes low. We need to do the same for Connecticut as we have done in Shelton,” said Debicella

Debicella has proposed legislation requiring strict adherence to the spending caps instituted by voters in 1991 after the income tax was created, and to use surplus funds to lower the income tax to the middle class.

“By strictly adhering to the statutory spending cap, we can provide tax cuts to state residents. Connecticut government spending is growing at 7-9% a year—an unsustainable pace. Imagine if your family’s spending increased that much every year. It would be a recipe for disaster,” Debicella said. “We do not have to cut any programs, just reduce the rate of increase to a more sustainable 2-4% a year.”

Slowing spending growth would result in more budget surpluses—which Debicella would use on tax relief for the middle class by raising the current state income tax exemption.

“My proposal would require that whenever there is a state budget surplus, half of the amount would be applied towards raising the income amount exempted for the income tax. Eventually, this would result in a
$1,000 tax cut for every household making over $50,000 and no taxes for households under that amount.”

Senator Debicella has also introduced legislation that would take approximately $100 million from the current $500 million state surplus to help purchase open space throughout his region of the state.

“Connecticut has done well protecting farmland and open space over the last few years, but still lags behind other states in the Northeast. The one-time use of the state surplus could help protect thousands of acres for future generation of residents not only in Shelton but throughout the state,” said Senator Debicella, who serves on the General Assembly’s Committee on Environment.

Finally, Senator Debicella is seeking to improve transportation in Fairfield Country. He has proposed that the State Department of Transportation develop a bus system that would run from the Metro Stations in Norwalk, Fairfield, and Stamford to major places of business in the area.

“Many people in Shelton residents commute to lower Fairfield County, and use their cars because MetroNorth is only convenient if you are traveling to New York City. By introducing a more comprehensive bus system, public transportation will be more attractive to more commuters,” said Debicella.

Senator Debicella was elected in November to his first term representing the 21st District, which is comprised of Stratford, Shelton, Seymour, and Monroe. He is an Assistant Minority Leader and serves as the Ranking Senator on the General Assembly’s Commerce Committee.