Bethel Delegation takes the time to drill down into proposed State Budget

April 1, 2011

Bethel CT – Senators Mike McLachlan and Toni Boucher along with Representatives David Scribner and Dan Carter hosted a two hour town hall meeting in Bethel Thursday evening. The discussion kicked off with a drill down into the governor’s proposed state budget.

Senator Mike McLachlan discussing the state’s budget deficit in front of  Bethel residents at a recent Town Hall Meeting, Senator Toni Boucher looks on

Senator Mike McLachlan discussing the state’s budget deficit in front of Bethel residents at a recent Town Hall Meeting, Senator Toni Boucher looks on

About 50 residents listened intently some shaking their heads in agreement with legislators like Senator Toni Boucher (R-26) who pointed out that the state of Connecticut already has highest combined tax burden and the latest tax free day on the nation.

“It’s important to understand that tax policy drives our state’s economic health,” Senator Boucher said. “We don’t want to be identified as the only state to impose new taxes on luxury items, mandate sick leave for part time summer workers and tax electric generation. We are already known as a business unfriendly state. These proposals would add to this perception”

Senator Boucher pointed out some of Malloy’s proposed new taxes in the state budget like the tax on clothing and shoes under $50 and on services such as car washes, haircuts and pet grooming.

Along with the presentation on the proposed state budget the delegation opened up the discussion to questions and answers.

Senator Mike McLachlan offered possible solutions to the holes in Malloy’s budget, including common sense policies such as “spend no more than you make.”

“We have to get out of the way of local governments and nonprofits to provide local services on the front line,” Senator McLachlan said.