CONNECTICUT, USA — The members of the State House stayed up past midnight into Tuesday going over and eventually voting for the budget bill.
The vote was among party lines, 95-52.
The State Senate is expected to vote Tuesday evening on the revised, one-year $24.2 billion state budget that cleared the House,
Despite Democrats lauding the package as historic for cutting taxes by an estimated $600 million, no Republicans in the House voted for the deal negotiated between Democratic leaders of the General Assembly and Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont. The GOP argued the plan fell far short, given the state's large projected surplus, and should have made systemic changes to Connecticut's tax system.
“This is a budget that’s crafted for November,” said House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora, referring to the upcoming election. “Republicans wanted a budget that’s crafted for the future.”
But Democrats argued the plan will help taxpayers, both in the short and long term.
The list of tax changes includes the continuation of the 25 cents-per-gallon gas tax cut until Dec. 1; the creation of a new, one-year $250 child care tax credit; the accelerated phase-out of taxes on pension, annuity and 401K income by 2024; a lower limit on local car taxes that apply to 75 communities; and an increased local property tax credit against the personal income tax, from $200 to $300, that applies to more taxpayers.
House Speaker Matt Ritter, D-Hartford, said he was surprised none of the GOP members in the House voted for the budget, which also includes more money for child care, children's mental health and workforce development. He predicted those no votes will become part of the upcoming election.
“We will, in competitive districts, point out what they voted against,” Ritter said.
The Democratic budget, which updates the second year of the two-year budget passed last year, also includes new spending for mental health programs for children and adults, early childhood programs and childcare worker salaries, community centers and nonprofit social service providers, as well as a $3.6 billion payment to help cover unfunded pension liability.
"These are tax cuts that are going to make a difference for you right now, right in the middle of this inflationary period," said Lamont on Monday at a press conference.
Democrats are celebrating the positive impact the budget will have on their communities.
"Budgets are built on compromise, and in a time when the state is in good financial standing, our communities deserve a champion who will fight for our local priorities. Senator Anwar and I worked tirelessly with the school administration and municipal leaders to identify local priorities that offer the greatest benefit to our community," said Rep. Jaime Foster (D-East Windsor, Ellington).
“Ellington has unique needs at this time, ranging from crumbling foundations in schools to quality of life of seniors and community members. I’m excited the state is able to contribute toward achieving these goals and I am proud to be part of this effort with Rep. Foster," said Senator Saud Anwar (D-3rd).
While Democrats claimed the proposed tax cuts totaled the largest in state history, few if any Republicans were expected to vote for the package. House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora, R-North Branford, called the one-year cuts “gimmicks” and argued that lawmakers should have made more systemic changes to the state's tax system. Republicans said there's really only $300 million in tax cuts after taking out the temporary gas tax and one-year child tax credit.
He argued that Connecticut taxpayers want to see permanent reductions in the state's sales and income taxes. Democrats claim federal rules governing how much states can cut taxes after receiving millions in federal pandemic funds would not permit the GOP's cuts.
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