With the state’s fiscal year closing this Friday, State Representative Gail Lavielle (R-143) joined her colleagues in the House Republican caucus in calling for an up-or-down vote Thursday on the balanced, no-tax increase state budget proposed by Republicans, noting that majority legislators had still not produced a complete proposal.
“While there were several occasions in the last two decades when the legislature did not pass a budget before the end of the fiscal year, this is the first time in recent history that this has happened because majority legislators did not produce a complete budget package. This is deeply concerning for Connecticut taxpayers and municipalities,” said Rep. Lavielle. “House Republicans released three detailed editions of a balanced budget complete with spending and revenue packages that make the structural reforms needed to enable our state to provide effective social services, create a climate friendly to businesses, and make the investments we need in education, transportation, and infrastructure. It should be a priority for all legislators to convene on Thursday to debate and pass a budget so that we can show families and businesses that we are serious about resolving this crisis and reviving the economy.”
Legislative Republicans proposed a complete balanced budget this spring and then revised that proposal to account for a dramatic drop in revenue receipts. Even though majority Democratic leaders did not produce a plan before or since the legislative committees reached their deadlines during the regular session, they will not agree to call the Republican budget for a vote. If no budget is passed by the end of the fiscal year on June 30, the governor will run the state by executive order.
“Failing to adopt a budget and allowing the governor to run the state by executive order would deal a severe blow to town aid, education funding, hospitals and other core services, as well as the people who rely on them, so this is not an acceptable back-up plan,” said Rep. Lavielle. “I hope that my friends and colleagues on the other side of the aisle will consider the future of our state and join us in supporting a balanced budget that does not increase taxes.”
State Representative Gail Lavielle represents the 143rd district, which includes parts of Norwalk, Westport, and Wilton. She is the Ranking Member of the General Assembly’s Education Committee and a member of the Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee and the Transportation Committee.
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As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office should have further questions about the state budget or any other matter relating to state government by email at gail.lavielle@housegop.ct.gov or by calling 800-842-1423.