Rain Did Not Delay East Haven Town Hall

East Haven, CT – Despite the heavy rain on a Tuesday night more than 40 residents, including East Haven’s Mayor filled the senior center for a Town Hall on the state budget.

Senator Len Fasano (R-34) and Representative Vincent Candelora (R- 86) explained how the state’s fiscal crisis evolved and then opened up the discussion to questions and answers.

“This is the largest tax hike in state history. These are massive tax increases on the middle class at a time when our residents can least afford it,” Senator Fasano said. “Just about every tax is raised – income, sales, corporate, gas, alcohol, hotel, tobacco, admission, and dues.”

The Governor’s budget increases state spending by nearly $1 million over two years and relies on increased tax revenue at a time when many Connecticut families, especially the middle class, are hurting.

“Downsizing government means more than just the elimination of 150-jobs among a 46,000 person work force,” said Senator Fasano. “We need to privatize services and cut back on perks we can no longer afford, like longevity payments.”

Republicans shared their no tax increase budget alternative with the public and fellow lawmakers on Tuesday April 19.
“In this budget we were forced to make very tough decisions, but I believe residents have also been forced to make very tough decisions in their own household budgets and will understand this is the right path to a sustainable future,” remarked Senator Fasano.

Both Senator Fasano and Representative Candelora encouraged residents to stay in touch with lawmakers as the budget debate continues in Hartford.