Got this today, ASSHAT Representative Lawrence Cafero 4:17 PM (3 hours ago) to Representative June 4, 2013 Dear Friends, This past Sunday, shortly after 5:00 am, the Legislative Democrats passed the CT State Budget out of the House of Representatives. Sadly, the Governor and the Democrats did not deem it necessary to include the Republicans in the negotiations. Because we were excluded, our only hope to incorporate some common sense into the budget proposal was by offering amendments. As you can imagine, all were denied passage. This budget could not get much worse. It DOES raise taxes, although they will deny it. It increases spending by 10 percent at a time when the State is broke and it borrows $750 million for operating expenses. Everything a budget should not include in weak economic times. The following are a few examples of the poor choices that were made by the Governor and the Legislative Democrats: Ø This budget contains no structural cuts, only spending increases. This creates more than a $600 million deficit in the next budget cycle. Ø Extends the Corporate Surcharge another 2 years (also known as a tax on businesses). Ø Delays almost $400 million in debt payments which adds tens of millions of dollars in interest charges that taxpayers will be responsible for. Ø Borrows $750 million just to pay operating expenses… in other words, to pay the light bill. Ø Moves money from dedicated accounts to the General Fund where it could be used for anything. For example, $100 million from the Special Transportation Fund. That is $100 million which should be spent repairing our roads and bridges. Ø Hospitals are subject to a substantial tax increase which will cost hospital workers their jobs. Ø The New Britain to Hartford Busway is now a permanent fixture in the budget. Taxpayers will subsidize 75% or $7.5 million every year. Ø Included more gambling (Keno) as a source of revenue. This is the same proposal that the Democrats denounced as illegal and a societal threat when a Republican Governor proposed it in 2010. Apparently now, it has monetary value and is acceptable. The Republicans have offered several reasonable alternatives including: Ø Eliminate the gas tax increase scheduled for July 1, 2013; Ø Comprehensive fraud reform to prevent and expose people illegally using taxpayer funded food stamps, healthcare and other forms of welfare; Ø Reduce the rate of the Earned Income Tax Credit- meaning fewer individuals who do not pay any taxes will receive a tax refund check; Ø Restructure state employee healthcare plan because taxpayers should not be responsible for 91% of the cost; Ø Do not fill vacant state job openings; and Ø Reforming state employee fringe benefits to include pension and health plans that are more in line with the private sector. Connecticut simply cannot afford this reckless spending any longer. This budget is irresponsible and is a setup for disaster and hardship in the not so distant future. As always, if you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact my office. For more information, visit cthousegop. Sincerely, Larry Cafero House Republican Leader
Posted on: Tue, 04 Jun 2013 23:37:22 +0000
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