Sen. Kissel Votes “Yes” on Budget Bill Which Supports North-Central CT Towns, Increases PILOT $$$

For Immediate Release:

Sen. Kissel Votes “Yes” on Budget Bill

Which Supports North-Central CT Towns

Citing increased state aid to north-central Connecticut towns, Sen. John A. Kissel (R-Enfield) on June 9 voted in support of a budget bill which contains no tax increases. The bill now awaits the governor’s signature.

“This budget will ease pressure on property taxpayers,” Sen. Kissel said. “The plan expands Education Cost Sharing grants to local school districts and increases PILOT [Payments In Lieu Of Taxes] grants.  These PILOT grants reimburse our area towns for lost revenue tied to property – such as correctional institutions –  that is exempt for local taxation.”

The approved budget increases non-education aid (which includes PILOT funding), as follows:

Enfield increase: $560,979

Enfield, Robinson and Willard Correctional Institutions are located in Enfield.

Somers increase: $562,235

Cybulski, Northern, and Osborn Correctional Institutions are located in Somers.

Suffield increase: $272,932

MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution is located in Suffield.

Sen. Kissel noted that the budget bill provides much needed funding for non-profit providers which serve Connecticut’s most vulnerable residents and seniors. 

The budget also contains funding for the debt-free community college program, which enables qualified students to cover the gap between federal, state and institutional aid and the full cost of attending community college. 

“That funding will help more Asnuntuck Community College students reach their goals and continue to make ACC a role model for community colleges throughout the country,” Sen. Kissel said.

Sen. Kissel highlighted how Republicans helped defeat a proposed $50 million tax hike on health care insurers and potential gasoline price increases.

“The people of Connecticut are overtaxed,” Sen. Kissel added. “Republicans stood firm against a host of regressive tax hikes which targeted middle class families’ wallets. We held a very successful public rally against the gas tax hike in Enfield, and that tax hike proposal was later dropped. This budget will address the needs of our north-central Connecticut towns, and I am pleased to see it receive bipartisan support.”

Sen. Kissel represents East Granby, Enfield, Somers, Suffield, Windsor Locks and parts of Granby and Windsor.

Contact:

860 301 4055