May 6, 2014
State Representatives Gregg Haddad (D-Mansfield) and Mae Flexer (D-Plainfield, Killingly) voted on a state budget that increases state funding to Mansfield and cities and towns across Connecticut.
The increase is due to additional Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) funds included in the state budget adjustment. Municipalities receive PILOT payments for property owned and used by the State of Connecticut. The payment is equal to a percentage of the amount of taxes that would be paid if the property were not exempt from taxation.
Mansfield would receive an additional $1,378,013 than what is included in the governor's budget. The Reps. Haddad and Flexer, members of the appropriations committee that originally voted on increasing aid to towns in the state PILOT pool, voted again on the floor of the House in support of additional state PILOT funds.
"I've made it one of my top priorities to advocate for additional municipal aid because property taxes can be so tough on families, particularly in hard times," said Rep. Haddad. "Additional funding for the PILOT program means a lot to the Mansfield community, in particular. The additional resources will help pay for local services and hold down property taxes."
"Thanks to the hard work of my colleagues, we have a balanced budget that provides more funding for towns and critical state resources without raising taxes," said Rep. Flexer.
Communities across the state will see an increase in municipal aid due to these changes to the budget.