Senator Kissel Supports State Budget Deal

Cites Increased State Funding for Local Municipalities

State Senator John A. Kissel (R-Enfield) voted in favor of the state budget bill that passed the state Senate by a vote of 25-11 this afternoon. The Connecticut House of Representatives had approved the bill earlier this morning. It now awaits the signature of Governor M. Jodi Rell, who has already publicly pledged her support for the proposal.

“When reviewing this legislation, what stood out to me the most was the increase in state aid the bill offered to several municipalities in my district and throughout the state. Our local towns need this state funding and this budget does a good job of providing it,” said Senator Kissel. “These funds can be used for a variety of purposes, but most importantly, they help to keep local property taxes down.”

The legislation significantly increased aid to several towns in Senator’s Kissel’s district, including Enfield, Somers, Windsor, Windsor Locks, and Granby.

“The town of Enfield will receive over $1.4 million more in state aid than last fiscal year and Windsor Locks will receive around $586,000 more,” explained Senator Kissel. “In addition, Somers sees an increase of about $528,000, Windsor will receive over $425,000 more, and Granby over $235,000 more thanks to this budget. These are certainly significant hikes and were the major reason I lent my support to the bill.”

Senator Kissel is a Deputy Minority Leader and the Ranking Member on the General Assembly’s
Judiciary Committee. He is serving his seventh term representing the communities of the seventh Senatorial District.