Senator Formica, Representative Bumgardner Praise Republican’s Budget Plan

Scrapping Gov. Malloy’s budget proposal, the Blueprint for Prosperity restores funding
to cut programs and reforms taxes and government spending.

Hartford, CT –Senator Paul Formica (R-East Lyme) and Representative Aundre’ Bumgardner (R-New London) joined their Republican legislative colleagues today in offering a budget plan, the Blueprint for Prosperity, which accomplishes what the governor could not: it is balanced, under the spending cap, restores vital social service programs for the neediest and reforms taxes, while instituting government reforms to save hundreds of millions in the coming two years.

“This plan addresses the budget crisis now while looking forward with prudent financial planning for the future. It also restores necessary reimbursement rates for Medicaid to doctors allowing them to serve those clients. It restores promised tax credits so businesses can grow jobs,” said Sen. Formica. “And it protects our most vulnerable by protecting social services cut by the governor.”

Republican legislators agree with Democrat leaders that the governor’s budget proposal was a non-starter. The Blueprint for Prosperity provides a biennial budget plan for Fiscal Years 2016 and 2017 and outlines a series of long term initiatives to set Connecticut on a better path for smarter spending today and in the future. The Republican proposal will benefit multiple socio-economic interests, including taxpayers, consumers, the developmentally disabled, businesses, non-profits, municipalities and hospitals.

“Taking care of our most vulnerable residents and providing tax relief to families in Groton and New London is paramount, and this plan does that,” Rep. Bumgardner said. “Our plan addresses the high cost of living and retiring here by phasing out the income tax on pension income under the $100,000 and eliminates the governor’s proposed income tax on single filers, which particularly helps our young residents. Our state is in dire need of overhauling state government finances, and I applaud the GOP caucus for putting forth this blueprint.”

Sen. Formica said, “Connecticut a great place to live – the Republican’s ‘Blueprint for Prosperity’ makes long term fixes for a better Connecticut. In New London County this budget funds critical transportation infrastructure without tolls or new taxes. Bottom line it protects the people and does so without putting further debt on our children.”

Republicans outlined major points in their proposal at a press conference April 24 at the Legislative Office Building. Highlights include:

• Recommends funding under Department of Developmental Services (DDS) for community programs for high-school graduates
• Appropriates an additional $15 million to help alleviate DDS wait list for services for intellectually disabled
• Restores Medicaid Husky A to approximately 12,100 people, including all pregnant women currently covered and those at lower end of the income spectrum
• Restores funding for safety net services
• Restores $18.7 million in mental health and substance abuse funding, including Regional Action Councils
• Funds a private provider Cost of Living Adjustment to benefit nursing homes, care facilities and nonprofit social services providers
• Funds 47 neighborhood youth centers
• Fully funds a $67 billion transportation improvement initiative over the next 30 years and protects the Special Transportation Fund
• Fully restores the honor guard for military funerals
• Restores funding to public libraries

“I’m confident that the legislative body will now work together in a bipartisan manner to finalize a budget that puts people first,” added Sen. Formica.

To view a summary of the Blueprint for Prosperity visit: http://ctsenrepublic.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/BlueprintProsperityShortForm.pdf

To download the full plan visit: http://ctsenrepublic.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/BlueprintProsperityLongForm.pdf

For more information visit: http://ctsenrepublic.wpengine.com/gopblueprint

Contact:
860-240-8865