Democrat Tax Proposals Get You Coming and Going

It seems that the Governor and legislative Democrats have finally woken up to the reality that people and businesses are leaving our state. Since the passage of the two largest tax increases in our state’s history under Governor Malloy, it’s been estimated that 575 residents are leaving Connecticut each week.

But instead of proposing changes to give people a reason to stay in Connecticut, they decided to give homeowners one last kick in the pants on their way out the door.

Democrats now propose increasing the already onerous state real estate conveyance tax for properties that sell for more than $800,000.

I guess you could call it an exit tax.

Combine that with the proposal to have a quasi-public agency approve highway tolls, and it looks like the Democrats want to get you while you’re coming and going.

The “mansion tax” and highway tolls are just two of a litany of fees and tax increases Democrats are seeking to push through. All of them mean bad news for Connecticut taxpayers and the state’s economy.

Some of the proposed taxes and fees increases include:

• Restaurant surcharge
• Cell phone tax
• Hospital tax
• Cigarette tax
• Land recording fee
• Urgent care center license fee
• Newborn screening fee

In addition to these taxes and fees, the Governor would require local municipalities to pay a portion of the teachers’ retirement plan negotiated by the state. He would also reduce funding to towns and a majority of school districts so that he can increase funding to large cities and struggling school districts. These measures virtually guarantee that local property taxes will go up.

Senate and House Republicans have proposed a new budget that does not include new taxes and makes the types of structural changes to state government that will end the cycle of budget deficits. It creates a new education funding formula that ensures the education needs of all of Connecticut’s children are met. It fairly funds municipalities and critical social services like mental health care and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

When the legislature returns to special session for a vote, Republicans fully intent to have our budget ideas debated and voted on. We can balance out state budget and live within our means. No entrance or exit fees included.

Read our latest budget proposal here.

State Senator Toni Boucher (R-26) is Co-Chair of the Bonding Subcommittee on the legislature’s Finance, Revenue, & Bonding Committee. She represents Bethel, New Canaan, Redding, Ridgefield, Weston, Westport and Wilton.