Senator Linares Says Governor’s Budget Lacks Vision for State’s Future

State Senator Art Linares (R-33) today said the budget proposed by Governor Malloy fails to make the structural changes that would resolve future deficits and put the state on a path toward economic stability.

“This budget is simply more of what we’ve already seen from this administration,” Sen. Linares said. “It continues to put more burdens on local communities while reducing their state aid, and increases taxes on the middle class.”

Sen. Linares said the Governor’s proposal to have municipalities pay one-third of the cost of the Teacher’s Retirement Fund virtually guarantees local property taxes will increase. Adding insult to injury, the budget also eliminated the $200 property tax credit on the state income tax.

“We need a budget that reduces regulation on business and municipalities, while providing appropriate relief to our cities and towns,” he said. “We need to address state employee health and pension expenses and make them more closely mirror what workers in the private sector receive. We also need to streamline government and make it more efficient. Those are the real, constructive policy changes Connecticut needs.”

Sen. Linares said he will work with fellow legislators to craft a budget that fairly funds education and municipalities without further burdening taxpayers.

Sen. Linares represents the communities of Chester, Clinton, Colchester, Deep River, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Lyme, Old Saybrook, Portland and Westbrook.