Sen. Kelly Votes “Yes” on State Budget

June 9, 2021

Budget Increases Local Municipal Funding & Education Dollars, No New Taxes

 

HARTFORD – Senate Republican Leader Kevin Kelly (R-Stratford) today voted in support of the state budget bill which increases investments in municipal aid, education funding, and does not include new taxes.

 

This budget reflects a major shift from earlier budget proposals offered by Democratic lawmakers and Governor Lamont which relied significantly on new taxes.

 

“Democrats all started out seeking tax increases,” said Sen. Kelly. “Governor Lamont proposed $630 million in new taxes on gas, mileage and health insurance. Democratic lawmakers proposed over $3.2 billion in new taxes. But Republicans pushed back and went out to the people with our message calling for no new taxes. We rallied against tax increases across the state. We energized the public. And they made their voices heard. At a time when we have historic levels of federal aid, a budget surplus, and a record-breaking rainy-day fund it is irresponsible and out of touch for Democrats to tax people even more. The shift away from tax increases is a win for Connecticut families and exactly who Republicans fight for. It’s a win for every working- and middle-class family.”

 

Senator Kelly highlighted positive elements of the budget including an increase in funding for municipal aid and education, an increase to the personal needs allowance for nursing home residents which Republicans long advocated for, funding increases for nursing homes, and rate increases for home health and waiver services.

 

Senator Kelly also applauded the elimination of Democrats’ tax proposals including the health insurance tax, the TCI-P gas tax, the “consumption” income tax, the new statewide property tax on homes assessed at over $300,000, the digital advertising tax, the non-voter tax, and the commercial property tax.

 

The approved budget increases local municipal aid and education funding in the 21st Senate District represented by Sen. Kelly as follows:

  • Monroe Municipal & Education Aid Increase: $32,000
  • Seymour Municipal & Education Aid Increase: $665,823
  • Shelton Municipal & Education Aid Increase: $649,416
  • Stratford Municipal & Education Aid Increase: $3,405,073

 

Senate Republican Leader Kevin Kelly represents the 21st Senate District including Monroe, Seymour, Shelton and Stratford. On the web: SenatorKevinKelly.com.