Sen. Harding: All CT Republicans Would Support an Effort to Reduce State Taxes
November 13, 2024(CT Mirror)
Republican legislative leaders said it would be a mistake if their Democratic counterparts don’t prioritize state tax cuts, given the results of the presidential election.
Senate Minority Leader Stephen Harding, R-Brookfield, said inflation and high electric rates ensure Connecticut’s middle class continues to struggle and predicted his caucus is ready to back further relief.
“I think all of us would support an effort to reduce [state] taxes,” he said.
House Minority Leader Vincent J. Candelora, R-North Branford, would like the legislature to bolster a $300 state income tax credit that offsets a portion of households’ municipal property tax bills. That credit had been as high as $500 prior to 2011.
Candelora added that budget controls have helped government build a $4.1 billion rainy day fund and make about $8.5 billion in supplemental payments against pension debt —both of which help taxpayers over the long haul.
But when it comes to short-term benefits, “these guardrails have really only benefitted government,” he added, “and we’ve got to have that conversation on how we push those benefits down to the middle class.”
