Reps. Rowe and Hwang Vote for Deficit Mitigation Plan Without Raising Taxes

State Representatives T.R. Rowe (R-Trumbull) and Tony Hwang (R-Fairfield) voted today in favor of a bipartisan measure which closes the current $350 million deficit for the fiscal year ending this June 30. The measure closes the current deficit without raising taxes is step forward in the budget process. However, they noted that the legislature still needed to address a $700 million deficit starting July 1 and it must be fixed before the Democratic-controlled legislature adjourns in May.

“Honestly, we should have been here months ago,” said Representative Rowe. “Since last fall we have seen repeated tax increase proposals from the majority in the legislature. Only nineteen days ago they were looking to increase taxes by $500 million. House Republicans have consistently opposed these tax increases and today we have a package that closes the deficit and does not increase taxes.”

“Had we not dug our heels in and fought these tax increases, Connecticut residents would be picking up a higher tab for government tonight,” said Representative Hwang. “The majority have attempted to increase taxes on income, hospitals, electric bills and estates just to name a few, only to meet opposition. Reaching this agreement on a bipartisan level is important, but the real work begins tomorrow as we look to address the rest of the budget picture.”

Both legislators noted that the General Assembly still needs to close a $700 million budget deficit that begins in FY 2011, and that the legislature must finish that work by the adjournment of the session on May 5th.

 “This work should not be left to the next governor and legislature,” said Hwang. “We were all elected to finish this task, no matter how difficult, before this session adjourns. I know that we stand ready to tackle next year’s deficit before session’s end.”

“We can close next year’s budget deficit without tax increases as well,” said Rowe. “Increasing taxes will only hurt the residents of this state that are attempting to recover from this economic crisis, and it does nothing to help. Last September the legislature raised taxes on everyone by $1.2 billion and we still have a $700 million deficit. We can close that deficit with targeted spending cuts, and increased efficiency in government functions.”