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Giegler said Malloy is using emotional issues to distract from a struggling state economy and a budget that hurts the middle class.
“Many of the governor’s proposals make good sound bites, but the fact of the matter is that we’ve heard the governor announce similarly lofty goals in the past, including a $55 tax rebate that never materialized, that ended with less than stellar results,” Giegler said in a statement.
“His latest proposal to reduce the state’s sales tax sounds great, but this budget also eviscerates the exemption on clothing and footwear costing less than $50, which directly impacts low- and middle-class residents. It’s a gimmick, and it hurts those who can least afford it.”
Malloy’s proposals would also increase taxes $847 million over two years and freeze the state share of health contributions to the Teachers’ Retirement Fund.
Giegler praised the governor's proposals to improve transportation infrastructure in the state after the address, but with a caveat.
“I think the governor’s transportation proposals, like the widening of I-84 from Exit 3 to Exit 8 [in Danbury], and reconfiguring and updating rail and roadway infrastructure throughout the state, could be beneficial as long as they don’t add undue burdens on already struggling taxpayers,” she added.
“Connecticut’s economy is still lagging [behind] the national recovery, yet the governor hasn’t said exactly how these plans will be paid for. If the governor and Transportation Commissioner James Redeker can find ways to prioritize projects and fund these proposals without increasing taxes, I remain optimistic for the future of transportation in the state.”
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