Sen. Kane discusses Gov. Malloy’s history of failed promises (Fox CT video)

Article and video as it appeared on FOXCt.com

HARTFORD — You could soon be paying less in sales tax in Connecticut.

Governor Dannel Malloy is proposing lowering the current 6.35 percent sales tax in two steps: the first drop to 6.2 percent would take place on November 1, 2015, and then the second reduction to 5.95 percent would occur on April 1, 2017. The reduced rate would save consumers $70 million in fiscal year 2016, according to the governor’s office.

If passed, Connecticut would have its lowest sales tax rate since 1971.

“I think it will be an incentive for more people to do their shopping in Connecticut,” Malloy told reporters Monday.

Malloy also said he would eliminate a sales tax exemption on clothing that costs less than $50, which was set to go back into effect on July 1, 2015. The move would produce a net tax revenue increase of $68 million in the next fiscal year, Malloy said.

The governor said his proposals are a way to give some relief to the middle class as the economy continues to recover, but the proposal is already drawing criticism from some Republican lawmakers.

“He’s had a history of failing those promises. Like the 55 dollar rebate that we were all supposed to get a while ago. Like a percentage of the sales tax going to municipalities. That’s never materialized,” State Sen. Rob Kane said.

The proposal is already drawing criticism by some Republican lawmakers. State Senator Len Fasano said reducing one tax while reintroducing another could mean larger burdens for families.

Malloy will officially announce his budget proposal on Wednesday. Right now the state is looking at a built-in deficit of $1.3 billion.