| Senator Rob Kane (R-32) endorsed the
alternative state budget proposal unveiled Monday by Senate
Minority Leader John McKinney of Fairfield and House Republican
Leader Lawrence F. Cafero, Jr., of Norwalk.
“Connecticut residents are struggling with rising
gasoline prices. They’re worried about their jobs.
They’re worried about what the economy is going
to look like next year, and how it is going to affect
their families. Our financial picture has changed, and
it may not make sense to make do with the state budget
the legislature passed last year. The Republicans’
alternative budget proposal is intended to help Connecticut’s
families cope with the reality of today’s economy,
and what we could be facing tomorrow. I look forward
to working with Governor Rell and my fellow legislators
in a bipartisan manner to do what is right for our state,”
said Senator Kane.
Republicans offered their proposal as an alternative
to adjourning this year’s legislative session
without making adjustments to the second year of the
existing two-year state budget adopted in 2007. The
Republicans’ proposed alternative 2008-2009 budget
calls for spending $16.839 billion, as opposed to $17.073
billion under the existing 2008-2009 state budget.
Among other things, the Republicans’ alternative
budget proposal:
• Cuts gas prices by 10 cents per gallon through
a summer state tax moratorium and cancels the scheduled
July 1st gross receipts tax increase of .5 percent on
July 1st.
• Phases out the annual $250 Business Entity Tax
over two years.
• Phases out of the estate tax “cliff”
over two years.
• Offers an early retirement incentive program
to eligible state employees.
• Allows eligible seniors to receive care in their
homes, instead of in nursing homes.
• Funds recently adopted criminal justice reforms.
• Re-establishes the early reading success program.
• Provides one percent cost of living adjustment
for private non-profit social service providers and
nursing homes.
• Includes additional $5 million for Town Aid
Road grant program.
• Increases funding for Vo-Ag programs by $1 million.
“The Republicans’ alternative budget proposal
is designed to help Connecticut handle the realities
of our economy. This is our proposal to provide Connecticut
with a well-thought out, balanced, and realistic state
budget. We have time to do the right thing before the
legislative session ends on May 7th,” said Senator
Kane.
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