Senator Kane Continues Opposition To State Budget

Votes “No” On Most Implementer Bills – Votes “Yes” On Bill To Delay In-School Suspension Law

State Senator Rob Kane (R-32) continued his opposition to the $37.6 biennial state budget by voting against all but one of the five implementer bills recently adopted by the General Assembly.

“I voted against the biennial budget last month because I believe it will cost our state more jobs and, consequently, drive both families and businesses out of Connecticut. It is unconscionable to burden our state – especially in this difficult economic climate – with a budget that spends too much, and raises fees and taxes. With that in mind, I voted against all but one of the five bills just passed by the General Assembly on October 2nd to implement that budget. The one bill I supported gives school districts an extra year before they are required hold in-school suspensions. This is an expensive mandate on our school districts and, at the very least, the state ought to delay imposing it,” said Senator Kane.

Senator Kane said he welcomed Governor M. Jodi Rell’s decision to veto one of the five budget implementer bills.

“I believe that Governor Rell was absolutely correct to veto one of the bills that detail general government spending because, as she stated, it would have exempted one branch of government, the Judicial Branch, from budget cuts that are being required of other state agencies,” said Senator Kane.

Senator Kane noted that the state is already facing a potential $500 million budget deficit and predicted that the General Assembly will have to take action to deal with it.

“The state budget includes a provision to cut the sales tax by one half of one percent beginning next year, if state tax revenues do not fall too far below expectations. I am sure that most state residents are now wondering if they will ever see that tax break. I know I am,” said Senator Kane.

Senator Kane said that he will continue to support efforts to make state government smaller, more efficient and less expensive.