June 7, 2005

REP. CANDELARIA HAILS HOUSE PASSAGE OF BUDGET
Budget deal means millions for New Haven

State Representative Juan Candelaria (D-New Haven) announced House passage of a state budget deal that will yield millions in state aid for New Haven. The budget, which was approved by a vote of 100 to 50, earmarks for New Haven $188,647,273 in statutory grants (ECS, PILOT, TAR) - more than $7,260,124 above the current fiscal year’s appropriation.

The budget also includes $5,181,861 for New Haven over and above what was proposed by Governor Rell in her February budget address.

“This budget address the most oppressive needs of New Haven residents. It is a document that we as democrats can feel proud about,” Rep. Candelaria said.

The budget compromise also saved the HUSKY health insurance program for adults.

“This budget spares the hundreds of families in New Haven and around the state that would have lost their health coverage,” Rep. Candelaria said.

Rep. Candelaria noted Democrats were able to craft a budget deal that excluded the governor’s regressive tax proposal that targeted working families. The compromise includes the use of surplus funds, the corporate tax and a tax on estates over $2 million.

Representative Candelaria serves the 95th Assembly District of New Haven. He Vice Chair of the Commerce Committee, and a member of the Appropriations and Judiciary Committees.