In a public-relations move for the House and Senate minorities, Republican leaders this morning announced that they have booked Room 1-E in the Legislation Office Building on Monday, May 11, at 1:30, to allow public comment on the Democrats budget. Here is the release:
“
Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano (R-North Haven) and House Republican Leader Themis Klarides, left (R-Derby) today announced that Senate and House Republicans will host a Monday public hearing to allow residents and businesses to speak out regarding the Democrats’ proposal to hike state taxes by $2.4 billion.
“Don’t want tax hikes?” Sen. Fasano said. “Neither do Republicans. Families and businesses will get absolutely slammed by these massive tax hikes and new taxes if they pass. Republicans are giving everyone in our state a voice. We want the people to tell their elected officials exactly how they feel about another possible huge tax hike and new taxes. This is your opportunity to send a clear message to Hartford.”
“We have seen $6.4 billion in tax increases over the last four years,” Rep. Klarides said. “Enough is enough. No more. Republicans have proposed a thoughtful, balanced alternative budget which does not raise taxes and which protects our most vulnerable residents. This forum will let people speak their mind about the damage that yet another tax hike would do to their family or their business. We urge people to spread the word about this hearing.”
Fasano and Klarides have created a website within the Senate Republicans’ homepage http://ctsenaterepublicans.com/2015/05/no-new-taxes/#.VUjVuPlViko
“where people can sign a petition opposing the tax hikes and submit testimony to legislators. The site also features the Republicans’ Blueprint for Prosperity budget alternative, which does not include the Democrats’ proposed tax hikes and still restores program cuts that Gov. Dannel P. Malloy made to many groups including the elderly, the disabled, libraries and parks.”