“We cannot have tax increases this year, as our economy is slipping into recession,” said Senator Debicella. “I will vote against any budget that contains the Democratic proposals to raise taxes.”

“As it stands now, the Democrats want to pass a budget adjustment bill that would seriously hurt the state’s economy by imposing new taxes on business. We are already seeing businesses close in Connecticut this year. Clearly, imposing new taxes is not going to encourage any new businesses to open or new jobs to be created,” said Senator Debicella, a ranking member of the General Assembly’s Commerce Committee.

The Democrats have proposed a new 6% sales tax on delivery charges on all consumer and commercial goods transported in Connecticut. They have also proposed more than $154 million in new spending on additional state employees and new programs.

Senator Debicella said that instead of tax and spending increases, the legislature should adopt his proposals to lower taxes on small business and encourage job creation.

“Earlier this year, the Senate Republicans endorsed my comprehensive jobs growth initiative that calls for expanding the job creation tax credit we passed last year, repealing the annual $250 business entity tax, getting rid of counterproductive business regulations, and providing tax incentives to emerging and next generation industries like alternative fuel, environmental remediation and nanotechnology that are likely to provide good paying jobs for Connecticut residents today and tomorrow. I am disappointed to say that none of these responsible, common sense, initiatives are presently included in the Democrats’ budget proposal,” said Senator Debicella.

Senator Debicella noted that, with a few weeks left before the legislative session on May 7th, there is still time to negotiate a state budget adjustment package that makes sense for Connecticut.

“Budget negotiations are really just beginning, and we have an opportunity to do what is right for the citizens of our state by passing a bill that fosters a healthy economic climate by controlling spending, cutting taxes and encourage job growth and retention. Republicans have put some excellent initiatives on the table, and that is what we should be talking about. Further burdening Connecticut’s businesses with new taxes would be devastating given the current state of the budget,” said Senator Debicella.