State Senator Thomas A. Colapietro
June 26, 2007
Colapietro: Budget Package Supports Towns, Invests in Health Care
Will continue to work for tax credits and relief measures
State Senator Thomas Colapietro (D-Bristol) today said that the significant investments included in the state's biennial budget, approved yesterday in a 33-to-one vote in the Connecticut Senate, will aid municipalities in the 31st District. The budget includes $67.7 million for the district in the first year and $70.4 million in the second.
"Towns across the state and in the 31st District-and their education budgets-fare much better in this budget plan than they have in previous years," said Senator Colapietro. "While there are some things that I would have like to see come through this year, like creation of an earned income tax credit for the working poor, a progressive income tax structure, and doubling of the state property tax credit for the benefit of middle-income taxpayers, overall the investments made in health care and education will make a real difference in for the state."
The $36 billion, two-year budget plan allocates $470 million in investments to the state's health care system, including $94 million in the first year and $120.7 million in the second to boost Medicaid reimbursement rates to doctors, hospitals, clinics, and dentists. Physicians, who have not seen a rate increase in eighteen years, often are forced to turn away low-income and needy patients because of the lack of state reimbursement. The budget also increases assistance to nursing homes by $78 million over the biennium, expands HUSKY eligibility for pregnant women, and expands school-based and community health clinics and centers.
The budget also represents increases in ECS education funding to towns by $181 million in fiscal year 2008 and by $261 million in 2009 and increases special education funding by $17.9 million in 2008 and $27.7 million in 2009. The increased ECS funding comes with requirements that measure student progress and achievement.
The budget includes an additional $4.5 million in year one and $1.75 million in year two in ECS funding for Bristol, and $1.08 million in year one and $428,283 in year two for Plainville. The 31st District towns of Harwinton and Plymouth will receive and additional $225,967 and $899,550 respectively in year one and $144,991 and $410,640 respectively in year two. Additionally, funds have been allocated for nursing homes and nonprofit providers, for Dial-a-Ride programs, and for programs that support young adults with developmental disabilities. Approximately $136 million in surplus funds will be placed into the state's Rainy Day Fund, and $300 million will go toward meeting the state's unfunded teacher pension system liability.
Added Senator Colapietro, "This budget is a step forward for Connecticut. I personally will continue to work toward creating tax relief measures for the working people of this state who really need it."
The proposal was approved this past Saturday in the state House of Representatives. The budget now goes to the governor for her signature. The new fiscal year begins July 1, 2007.
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