If adopted, the Republican budget would have devastating effects on New Haven

September 21, 2017

The legislature’s leading responsibility is to adopt a budget that puts Connecticut residents first and reflects our top priorities as a state.

The Republican budget that was narrowly passed in the state Senate and House of Representatives early Saturday morning goes against the fundamental values Connecticut was founded on.

The Republicans’ two-year $40.68 billion spending package decreases funding to cities that need it most and increases aid to affluent suburban towns. If adopted, this budget would hinder our urban cities’ abilities to be the economic engines Connecticut needs to drive its economy and attract young professionals and new businesses to our region.

Under the Republicans’ plan, the disparity between social classes will continue to grow, and many of our children will be robbed of their right to dream if the proposed reductions to higher education become a reality.

The Republican budget would:

  • Cut city funding
  • Repeal the Municipal Revenue Sharing Account program, which would prevent future regional sales tax from being diverted to offset local property taxes
  • Diminish funding to our state and local independent colleges such as our flagship facility, the University of Connecticut, and Gateway Community College
  • Increase property taxes on motor vehicles by eliminating the town reimbursement program
  • Eliminate our nationally-recognized Citizens’ Election Program and open the door to dirty money that buys elections
  • Triple the cut to the earned income tax credit, hurting the working poor
  • Decimate the many social service, workforce development and youth services programs our residents rely on
  • Cause a hike in business taxes by eliminating the Angel Investor Tax Credit

The Republicans’ budget would have devastating effects on New Haven.

Now more than ever, it is time for legislators to work together to adopt a bipartisan budget that prioritizes Connecticut residents’ needs, lends a helping hand to small businesses, addresses the achievement gap present in our school systems, and steadies the state’s financial footing.