The new state budget projections released in late February by the Office of Fiscal Analysis estimate a $511.9 million surplus for the current fiscal year 2019 and a Special Transportation Fund surplus of $70.5 million. Good news, right?
Thanks to some historic bipartisanship, Connecticut has momentum. Over the last two years, lawmakers have made critical reforms that are starting to shift the direction of our state.
What did we do? We passed a state government spending cap. We passed a state government borrowing cap. We enacted tax cuts for retirees and seniors. We passed job-friendly, pro-business policies.
We did not rely on heavy tax increases. We avoided putting new burdens on Connecticut families and job creators. We focused on creating the stability we need to encourage investment and generate growth. While our state still has significant challenges on the horizon, the path we began to build over the last two years is making a difference. This strategy is beginning to rebuild people’s confidence in Connecticut.
Here’s what won’t build confidence. Heavy tax increases, canceling tax breaks, and swiping finding from transportation.
Connecticut needs to focus on how we can expand upon today’s successes. Undoing the bipartisan policies that created this growth makes absolutely no sense.
As I tell my legislative colleagues every day: “We have momentum, let’s not lose it!”
And you can help us keep that momentum. Stay active! Sign up for my Capitol updates at www.SenatorKissel.com. Follow me on Facebook. It’s your government. Thank you for taking the time to be an active participant!
State Senator John A. Kissel (R – 7th District)
Published in the Enfield Press on March 7th, 2019
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