May 1, 2006
HOUSE PASSES STATE BUDGET & TAX PACKAGE
East Hartford, South Windsor, Glastonbury, and Manchester to receive more state aid
State Representative Michael Christ (D-East Hartford, South Windsor), State Representative Henry Genga (D-East Hartford), and State Representative Chris Stone (D-East Hartford, Glastonbury, Manchester) say the state budget approved by the House of Representatives contains increased state dollars for the towns in their districts, no new taxes and makes long term investments that will save taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars in the long term.
“Our budget is a win/win for taxpayers in East Hartford and South Windsor,” said Rep. Christ. “Their income taxes will go down and the additional state aid to towns is good news for their property tax bills.”
Residents will see a reduction in their state income tax liability with an increase in the property tax credit to $500. The credit can be applied against property taxes paid on cars or homes.
East Hartford will see an increase of $593,970 while South Windsor will receive $61,879 in state aid (including ECS, PILOT, TAR and other statutory grants) over and above what the Governor proposed in her February budget address. East Hartford also receives an additional $196,971 for special education while South Windsor receives an additional $85,997.
“In addition to the increase in state aid for East Hartford which I represent, Glastonbury will receive an increase of $72,659 and Manchester will receive $496,133 over the governor’s proposed budget,” Rep. Stone said. “All three of the towns I represent will see increases in the budget and I am very pleased to have been able to work with my colleagues to deliver increased state dollars to my district.”
“As a teacher, I am especially proud that we have more funding for schools in this budget, especially for kids with special needs,” said Rep. Genga. “In terms of the state’s economic viability, this budget improves the business climate with tax cuts for businesses and makes long term investments in job growth.”
Tax cuts for business include the elimination of the corporate tax surcharge for 2007 and a phase out of the property tax paid on manufacturing equipment. The state budget surplus of approximately $660 million was used mainly to pay down long term debt, increase the balance in the Rainy Day Fund and fully fund the teachers’ retirement fund through 2007. Additional surplus dollars were also used to increase state aid to cities and towns.
Other major investments were made in the HUSKY children’s healthcare program, as well as in job creation and economic development initiatives.