Republicans laud alternative budget

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HARTFORD — House and Senate Republican legislators unveiled an alternative budget proposal the Gov Dannell Malloy’s plan last week.

“This plan responsibly funds important social programs and services, phases out the income tax on pensions and supports infrastructure improvements into the future without raising taxes,” state Rep. Rosa Rebimbas (R-70) said in a press release. “We need to make the tough choices and put Connecticut back on track financially, this budget does that.”

The press release stated the budget proposal is a balanced alternative that comes in under the spending cap. The proposal includes restoring the exemption on clothing and footwear under $50; restoring the full tax-free week; funds a $67 billion transportation improvement initiative over the next 30 years; restoring library funding; eliminating the Business Entity Tax; restoring $18.7 million in mental health and substance abuse funding.

“This budget balances care and concern for the people of our state who need help while making vital reforms to make our government run more efficiently,” state Rep. Lezlye Zupkus (R-89) said in a press release. “Also included in this budget is restoring current funding for our resident state troopers as well as funding our fire training schools. Public safety is a core function of government and I’m proud that this proposal supports those vital programs.”

The proposal also recommends Malloy institute an additional wage freeze in the first year of the biennium, increase contributions to pension system for current state employees, increase copays for healthcare, including prescription drugs, and eliminates existence of longevity payments.