Democrats Advance Bills that will Increase Taxes on Middle Class Families, Kill Insurance Jobs

Sens. Kelly, Hwang Statement on CT Democrats Blocking Vote on Republicans’ Better Way

HARTFORD – Senate Republican Leader Kevin Kelly (R-Stratford) and State Senator Tony Hwang (R-Fairfield), ranking member of the Insurance & Real Estate Committee released the following joint statement in response to Democrats on the Insurance & Real Estate Committee advancing “public option” legislation and the Governor’s proposed $50 million tax on insurance premiums, but failing to hold a vote on the Senate Republicans’ “A Better Way to Affordable Health Care” plan. Today was the committee deadline to hold such a vote.

Sen. Kelly and Sen. Hwang said: “CT Democrats moved forward two proposals. One will establish a government-run health system and kill thousands of good paying jobs in our state’s flagship industry. The other, will put a $50 million tax increase on middle class families. The only health care proposal they did not advance was a plan that would offer direct relief to middle class families and rein in the out of control growth of health care costs. This is why Connecticut is so unaffordable and dead last in job growth and personal income growth. CT Democrats are unwilling to even have a conversation about a better way.”