Senator Boucher Says Malloy Tax Proposal Amounts to Death by a Thousand Cuts

Hartford – State Senator Toni Boucher (R-26) said the proposed taxes and fees outlined by Governor Malloy’s budget chief appeared to be an attempt by the administration to hide the enormity of the costs they represent to taxpayers. Office of Policy and Management Secretary Ben Barns testified before the legislature’s Finance, Revenue & Bonding Committee on Friday.

“Connecticut taxpayers will experience death by a thousand cuts,” Sen. Boucher said. “Three dollars for tires. Twenty-five cents for a bottle of wine. Get rid of the $200 property tax credit. Add sales tax to nonprescription drugs. You spread the taxes out so taxpayers don’t realize that each small cut from their income is slowly bleeding them dry. At the end of the day, they don’t have any money, but can’t point to any specific tax as the cause. It’s incredibly dishonest.”

Sen. Boucher said that when all of the new and increased taxes and fees are added, it totals $243.6 million in additional costs to taxpayers. In addition, the Governor’s budget cuts education funding and aid to municipalities, which may result in higher property taxes.

“Connecticut has the second highest per capita state tax burden and the fourth highest property tax burden in the nation. Does the Governor think this is a contest?” she asked. “If it is, then the focus should be on growing the economy. While many surrounding states have not only recovered from the recession, but surpassed their losses, Connecticut trails dead last. The last thig high tax Connecticut need is more taxes.”

Sen. Boucher is Vice-chair of the committee and represents the communities of Bethel, New Canaan, Redding, Ridgefield, Weston, Westport, and Wilton.