Report by Paula Antolini
September 29, 2017 7:50AM EDT
Statement by Senator Toni Boucher on Governor’s Veto of the Only Budget Approved by the General Assembly
September 28, 2017
State Senator Toni Boucher (R-28) today expressed her disappointment and frustration with the Governor’s veto of the budget that passed the legislature with bipartisan approval.
“Once again, the Governor’s actions showed how out of touch he is with taxpayers and local governments. The public’s patience is wearing thin and local school boards are deeply frustrated and are now truly frightened for their students and teachers. His veto of a budget that would not force state obligations onto local municipalities chooses instead to make drastic cuts to education and social services over responsible changes to state government. The executive order that goes into effect on October 1st does not provide funding to most schools and municipalities, and continues to deprive the frail, elderly, and those with disabilities of much needed services vital for their survival.
“The Governor has said repeatedly that the legislature must pass a budget that he is willing to sign. All the budgets the Governor supported contained large tax increases, reduced funding to municipalities, and stripped state education grants to the majority of Connecticut towns so it can redistributed. In addition to the obvious tax increases contained in those budgets on cell phones, nonprescription drugs, and meals at restaurants, the cuts to education and municipal aid would force towns to raise property taxes, layoff teachers and municipal staff, and raid budget reserves that communities accumulated through responsible fiscal management. This could literally wipe out many communities’ safety net,” she said.
“The Republican budget approved by members of both parties in the legislature is not a perfect document. It contains many cuts I don’t like, but it is realistic about what must be done to protect the core government services we value and that so many people rely upon. I hope legislative leaders can be convinced to reconvene quickly to move Connecticut forward.
“Without a state budget, the outlook for all of Connecticut is bleak. More so than I have ever seen before. Instead of being the party of “no” and playing the part of obstructionists, the majority party – who controls the votes, the process and the budget – needs to move forward so the only state in the country without a budget can finally give our towns and schools the ability to provide the services our children and residents need.”
###
Leave a Reply