State Legislators Provide Budget Update to Harwinton Residents

State Senator Jason Welch, left, and State Senator Kevin Witkos, right, speak with Harwinton residents at the Board of Selectmen meeting on Tuesday, May 7th.

Harwinton – State Senators Kevin Witkos (R-8) and Jason Welch (R-31) and State Representative John Piscopo (R-76) provided a legislative and budget update to Harwinton residents at the Board of Selectmen meeting on Tuesday, May 7th.

“With one month remaining in the legislative session, I want to make sure that you are fully aware of the many proposals currently under consideration in Hartford,” said Senator Witkos. “It is important to remain engaged during the budget process because an increase in spending or taxes could impact our local government. During this time, I will be working to encourage other lawmakers to support a more responsible level of spending and fight any tax increases that could harm the local economy. I would like to thank everyone who took part in tonight’s informative event.”

Senators Witkos and Welch and Representative Piscopo joined the local officials and constituents to discuss the 2013 legislative session, including the proposed state budget and the potential impact on municipal government.

“We are borrowing money because we can’t afford to pay the debts we owe. When you’ve got a state that is borrowing money to pay operating expenses that sends the wrong message to rating agencies. They get scared,” said Senator Welch. “We need to stop spending and prioritize our responsibilities before it’s too late.”

“I thank the citizens of Harwinton and neighboring towns who attended the legislative update with Senators Witkos and Welch, and I,” said Representative Piscopo. “Many people expressed frustration with our current state of affairs in Connecticut and are fed up with the reckless and irresponsible spending of their hard-earned taxpayer dollars by their state government. I agree with them. We can and must do better. I will continue to fight for fiscally responsible, common sense legislation that puts the people of Connecticut first.”

The local officials and constituents addressed concerns regarding increased state spending and borrowing, the potential for new tax increases, energy issues and the burden that unfunded mandates place on municipalities.