State Legislators Provide Budget Update at Avon Town Council Meeting

State Senator Kevin Witkos speaks with constituents at the Avon Town Council meeting on Thursday, March 7th.

Avon – State Senator Kevin Witkos (R-8) and State Representatives Tim LeGeyt (R-17) and Brian Becker (D-19) provided a legislative and budget update at the Avon Town Council meeting on Thursday, March 7th.

“Given the concerns over our state’s budget deficit, I welcome your input on how we can best develop the next two-year state budget,” said Senator Witkos. “In the coming weeks and months, legislators must carefully consider how to make government more efficient and provide essential services while encouraging economic growth and job creation. I would like to thank everyone for coming out on this snowy evening to share your important thoughts and concerns about state government.”

Senator Witkos and Representatives LeGeyt and Becker joined council members and constituents to discuss the 2013 legislative session, including the proposed state budget, the elimination of motor vehicle taxes and the potential impact on municipal government.

State Representative Tim LeGeyt, right, addresses the Avon Town Council meeting while State Senator Kevin Witkos and State Representative Brian Becker listen.

“We come to the council meeting to represent our constituency and I thank all of those who took part with question and comments. We heard loud and clear that people are concerned with the egregious spending and lack of fiscal responsibility on the part of our state government. They are frustrated with the state of affairs in Connecticut and are looking for solutions to get our state back on the right path,” said Representative LeGeyt.

“We came here to share information about the impact of the Governor’s proposed budget on Avon and to hear any concerns and comments,” said Representative Becker. Becker also reported that the delegation is working together to restore funding to a program designed to give incentives to towns to work together on a regional basis.

The three legislators agreed that the proposal to eliminate local property taxes on certain motor vehicles was concerning and would likely face significant opposition in the General Assembly. If passed, the Town of Avon would stand to lose nearly $4.5 million. As a consequence, residential and commercial property taxes would have to increase or local services would have to be cut to make up for lost revenue.