HARTFORD — State Republicans unveiled their alternative budget adjustments for Fiscal year 2013 on Thursday.
“Even after the largest tax increase in our state’s history we still find ourselves entrenched in debt by $200 million — proving that our budget is not working effectively,” said state Rep Len Greene (R-105) in a news release. “The aspects of this proposal exemplify our priority and the priority of our constituents for a well-balanced budget that provides additional funding to our schools while simultaneously reducing our wasteful spending and various tax increases.”
The alternative proposal funds education and pension reforms within existing appropriations while providing immediate tax relief for Connecticut’s citizens, according to the release. The Republican proposal spends $345 million less than Gov. Dannel Malloy’s proposal. It fully funds caseload growth in all human services programs and contains a post-GAAP surplus of $35.8 million, according to the release.
The Republican plan includes the reinstitution of the sales tax exemptions for clothing and footwear under $50 and non-prescription drugs as well as the restoration of the property tax credit to $500.
The Republican budget adjustment also funds the hiring of 168 state troopers, which would bring the state police force in compliance with the statutory minimum number of troopers, according to the release. While the new hires will cost the state a total of $8.9 million in next fiscal year, it will result in a savings of $4.9 million in fiscal year 2014 due to the reduction in overtime pay, the release stated.
