Senate Leadership
March 30, 2006
Williams, Looney Applaud 'Visionary' Budget Proposal
Spending plan "steps-up" where the Governor did not including teachers' pension fund, aid to cities and towns, health care
State Senate President Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn) and Majority Leader Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) today praised the state budget adjustment plan voted out by the General Assembly's Appropriations Committee. The $16.163 billion spending plan adjusts the second year of the state's two-year budget passed during the 2005 legislative session.
"First and foremost, Sen. Toni Harp and Representative Denise Merrill should be congratulated for their painstaking effort on this very difficult job," Sen. Williams said. "They had to make some difficult decisions and the result was a visionary plan that stepped-up to the plate in areas in which the governor's plan was insufficient. This plan pays down the state's debt by funding at 100 percent the state's obligations to the teachers' pension fund for both 2006 and 2007. This shows a true commitment to the educators of our state."
Added Sen. Williams, "It is well-known that our cities and towns are struggling with the heavy burden of property taxes and local officials have rightly asked the state for help. The Governor responded with an increase of just $7.4 million. When local leaders predicted substantial property tax increases, the Appropriations Committee responded with an increase of more than $70 million, including $45 million to help offset runaway energy costs. That is real assistance that will help cities, towns and local taxpayers all across the state."
Said Sen. Looney, "This is a plan that takes the opportunity to invest in the state's future-improving upon the Governor's proposal. This budget adjustment fully funds the teachers' retirement plan, helps the local taxpayer and puts a substantial amount of money into the rainy day fund. Sen. Harp, Rep. Merrill and the Appropriations Committee have provided us with a proposed budget adjustment that meets critical needs in municipal aid and support for education and responsibly fulfills our obligations."
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Senator Williams’ Larry Cook |
Listing of Leadership’s recent press releases. |
Senator Looney’s Larry Cook |
