Markley will fight the Largest Tax Increase in State History

February 16, 2011

Hartford CT – In response to Governor Dannel Malloy’s proposal to raise taxes by $1.5 billion, State Senator Joe Markley stated that he will not support this or any other budget that increases taxes.

“I came to the legislature to fight tax increases, and I will not back down,” Markley said. “I helped lead the fight against the state income tax in 1991, and I’m glad and proud that I did. In the twenty years since that loathsome tax passed, Connecticut has been dead last in economic growth, while the real cost of state government has more than doubled.”

“Another massive tax increase would be the biggest mistake our state could make. The governor’s tax package is especially painful and destructive. It hits hardest at middle-income families and small businesses, which can least afford it. If passed, I believe it would end any chance of an economic recovery.”

“We have to cut spending and hold the line on taxes, so our families can get through these hard times, and business can regroup in a stable environment. Instead, the governor’s budget actually increases spending, and includes the largest tax hike in state history–that’s what he calls ‘a slightly higher tax burden.’’

“Dozens of taxes are increased, including the income tax and the sales tax. Some of these proposals are bad–others are brutal. Elimination of the property tax credit on our state income tax will cost hardworking homeowners a million dollars a day and removing the exemption on clothing under $50 hits hardest at working families. In addition the proposal to tax the value of coupons–in other words, extending the sales tax to money we haven’t spent-is downright Orwellian.”

Markley did acknowledge a few bright spots in the governor’s speech. “I was glad to hear him say that the charge on our electric bills which I’ve been fighting in the courts is in fact a tax,” Markley said. “He’s more honest than the legislators who passed it. And I’m relieved that state funding for our schools will be preserved–we can’t simply pass this burden on to the towns. I hope he can negotiate the concessions he’s counting on from the state employee unions. But whatever happens, my opposition to a tax increase is firm.”