Under Bipartisan Budget Connecticut Has Momentum, Gov. Lamont Should Take Notice

Fasano Statement on New State Budget Surplus Projections

Senate Republican Leader Len Fasano (R-North Haven) released the following statement regarding new budget projections released today by the Office of Fiscal Analysis estimating a $511.9 million surplus for the current fiscal year 2019, and a Special Transportation Fund surplus of $70.5 million.

“Thanks to two historic bipartisan budgets, Connecticut has momentum. Over the last two years lawmakers’ bipartisan budgets included historic reforms that are starting to shift the direction of our state. We passed spending and borrowing caps, tax cuts for retirees and seniors, job friendly policies and a transportation funding mechanism. Our budget did not rely on heavy tax increases and avoided putting new burdens on Connecticut families and job creators. It focused on creating the stability we need to encourage investment and generate growth. While our state still has significant challenges on the horizon, the path we began to build over the last two years is making a difference. This strategy is beginning to rebuild people’s confidence in Connecticut.

“These signs of growth make it all the more concerning to see Governor Lamont’s proposed budget undo so many of the policies adopted in the bipartisan budget. The governor is proposing heavy tax increases, canceling tax breaks that encouraged people and jobs to stay in our state, and is swiping funding from transportation like his predecessor. Connecticut needs to focus on how we can expand upon today’s successes. Undoing the very bipartisan policies that created this growth makes absolutely no sense. We have momentum, let’s not lose it.”