Senator Kevin Witkos Comments on Governor Malloy’s Budget Address

HARTFORD – Following Governor Malloy’s address, State Senator Kevin Witkos (R-8) appeared on Cablevision’s show Meet the Leaders to discuss Malloy’s proposed budget and its effect on the state.

When asked about business growth, Senator Witkos commented that Governor Malloy’s plan does not go far enough. “Taxing businesses does not create jobs, but easing taxes and regulations does,” said Senator Witkos. “We need to establish tax credits and incentives for more than just the first five businesses that create 200 or more jobs. Until we support the state’s small business, and promote new business across the board, Connecticut will not be open for business.”

Senator Witkos also commented that, “While I agree with the governor that the state should support our towns and cities by sustaining current levels of municipal aid, and especially education funding, Governor Malloy and the legislature must also protect taxpayers by making deeper cuts to state spending. Asking taxpayers to spend $19.7 billion in fiscal year 2012, $372 million more than 2011, only compounds the state’s severe spending addiction.”

“The Governor speaks of shared sacrifice, but his budget plan does little to realize this. His plan includes over $1.5 billion in new taxes, squarely aimed at Connecticut’s middle class at a time when residents can least afford it. Increases in the income tax, sales tax, gas tax, and everything in between, will harm families, cost the state jobs, and send a message that state government is not accountable or affordable.”

“The devil is in the details,” noted Senator Witkos. “It is now incumbent upon the legislature to digest this 275 plus page budget, and understand its full weight before using it as a baseline to craft a balanced budget.”