Month: June 2023

KUSHNER HIGHLIGHTS FUNDING FOR DANBURY IN BIPARTISAN STATE BUDGET

Posted on by Devin James

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

KUSHNER HIGHLIGHTS FUNDING FOR DANBURY IN BIPARTISAN STATE BUDGET

More Aid for Local Schools and Nonprofits Rounds Out Bipartisan Two-Year State Spending and Revenue Plan

HARTFORD – State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) today joined in the bipartisan Senate passage of a two-year state budget that includes a historic middle-class personal income tax cut while simultaneously providing towns more money for local schools as well as funding much-needed state social service programs.

The $51.1 billion biennial state budget passed the Senate today on a bipartisan vote of 35-1. The new state budget includes a total of $612 million in personal income and pension tax cuts while providing $232 million more in state aid to local school districts and hundreds of millions more for nonprofits to pay their employees higher wages.

“I like the middle-class tax relief in this budget and the $12 million extra for the Danbury public schools, as well as nearly a million dollars more in state aid for Danbury,” Sen. Kushner said. “But there’s no question that we need to find more resources for childcare, nonprofits, and our state universities.”

In the new state budget, Danbury will receive an extra $12,622,576 in state Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grants over the next two years compared to what they are receiving now, and another $918,933 in other state aid such as Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT), Local Capital Improvements (LOCIP), and Town Aid Roads (TAR) — equal to about .65 mils in local property taxes every year.

The budget passed today also includes the first personal income tax cut in Connecticut in nearly 30 years, and it’s focused on Connecticut’s broad middle class – those earning up to $100,000 a year – although all taxpayers will benefit to some extent.

The current 3% income tax rate on the first $10,000 earned by single filers and the $20,000 earned by couples will drop to 2%, and the 5% income tax rate imposed on the next $40,000 earned by singles and $80,000 earned by couples will drop to 4.5%. The income tax cuts are expected to save middle-class households $300 to $500 per year.

The new budget also expands the income tax credit for Connecticut’s working poor from 30.5% of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit to 40%, helping approximately 200,000 Connecticut households.

The new budget also expands the income tax exemption for some pension and annuity earnings, expanding it to single filers making $75,000 – $100,000 and couples making $100,000 -$150,000.

On the spending side, local school districts are the winners, with many towns getting more state aid and no city or town being cut. The new budget provides $232 million more in Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grants for Connecticut cities and towns, thereby helping to keep local property tax rates low. There’s also $16 million to continue expanded free school meals for children.

Private provider organizations that contract for state-sponsored social services (like aging, disability, corrections, housing, mental health and addiction, early childhood, etc.) will receive $87 million more in each year of the budget, providing 4% and 5.4% cost of living wage increases for their employees.

Other budget highlights include:

· $5 million for the Firefighters Fund for the firefighters cancer relief account to support program benefit expenses

· $3 million to expand HUSKY health care for children up to age 15, regardless of their immigration status

· $6 million to expand GPS monitoring of domestic violence offenders across the state

· $5.4 million to implement early voting initiatives

· Restores 100% of service on the New Haven train line and branch lines next year

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SEN. FLEXER HIGHLIGHTS FUNDING FOR DISTRICT IN BIPARTISAN STATE BUDGET

Posted on by Devin James

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

SEN. FLEXER HIGHLIGHTS FUNDING FOR DISTRICT IN BIPARTISAN STATE BUDGET

More Aid for Local Schools and Nonprofits Rounds Out Bipartisan Two-Year State Spending and Revenue Plan

HARTFORD – State Senator Mae Flexer today joined in the bipartisan Senate passage of a two-year state budget that includes a historic middle-class personal income tax cut while simultaneously providing towns more money for local schools as well as funding much-needed state social service programs.

The $51.1 billion biennial state budget for July 2023-June 2025 passed the Senate today on a bipartisan vote of xx-xx. The new state budget includes a total of $612 million in personal income and pension tax cuts while providing $300 million more in state aid to local school districts and hundreds of millions more for nonprofits to pay their employees higher wages.

“I approach this budget with mixed emotions. The budget reflects the values of our state, and there are some areas in this budget where I am proud of those values. Paying down our debt. An increase in the earned income tax credit, which helps a lot of families in my district. I value the budget support for Day Kimball Hospital in northeastern Connecticut,” Sen. Flexer said. “But there is disappointment in this budget as well, such as the lack of support for our nonprofit agencies. There’s not a person in this legislature who doesn’t value the work that these people do, but we should have represented them better in this budget. Access to higher education is also a deep concern of mine. The second year of our state budget will severely limit who is able to go to a public college in Connecticut. There was a time when college was not accessible to everyone. Now that it has become more accessible, we seem to be pulling back funding. Why is that? We should do better for our students.”

In the new state budget, Sen. Flexer’s 29th State Senate District towns of Brooklyn, Mansfield and Windham will receive a combined $5,355,535 in additional Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grants compared to what they’re currently receiving.

The budget passed today also includes the first personal income tax cut in Connecticut in nearly 30 years, and it’s focused on Connecticut’s broad middle class – those earning up to $100,000 a year – although all taxpayers will benefit to some extent.

The current 3% income tax rate on the first $10,000 earned by single filers and the $20,000 earned by couples will drop to 2%, and the 5% income tax rate imposed on the next $40,000 earned by singles and $80,000 earned by couples will drop to 4.5%. The income tax cuts are expected to save middle-class households $300 to $500 per year.

The new budget also expands the income tax credit for Connecticut’s working poor from 30.5% of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit to 40%, helping approximately 200,000 Connecticut households.

The new budget also expands the income tax exemption for some pension and annuity earnings, expanding it to single filers making $75,000 – $100,000 and couples making $100,000 -$150,000.

On the spending side, local school districts are the winners, with many towns getting more state aid and no city or town being cut. The new budget provides $300 million more in Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grants for Connecticut cities and towns, thereby helping to keep local property tax rates low. There’s also $16 million to continue expanded free school meals for children.

Private provider organizations that contract for state-sponsored social services (like aging, disability, corrections, housing, mental health and addiction, early childhood, etc.) will receive $87 million more in each year of the budget, providing 4% and 5.4% cost of living wage increases for their employees.

Other budget highlights include:

· $3 million to expand HUSKY health care for children up to age 15, regardless of their immigration status

· $6 million to expand GPS monitoring of domestic violence offenders across the state

· $5.4 million to implement early voting initiatives

· Restores 100% of service on the New Haven train line and branch lines next year

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Senator Lopes, New Britain Delegation Highlight Funding for New Britain in State Budget

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Senator Lopes, New Britain Delegation Highlight Funding for New Britain in State Budget

HARTFORD – Today, members of the New Britain legislative delegation – Senator Rick Lopes, Rep. Manny Sanchez, Rep. Peter Tercyak, Rep. Bobby Sanchez, and Rep. Gary Turco welcomed Senate passage of a two-year state budget that includes a historic middle-class personal income tax cut while simultaneously providing towns more money for local schools as well as funding much-needed state social service programs.

The $51.1 billion biennial state budget passed the Senate today on a bipartisan vote of 35-1. The new state budget includes a total of $612 million in personal income and pension tax cuts while providing $300 million more in state aid to local school districts and hundreds of millions more for nonprofits to pay their employees higher wages.

In the new state budget, New Britain will receive over a $15.5 million increase in state Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grants over the next two years, and over $21.5 million in additional state funding over two years.

“This biennial state budget sets forth a precedent as it targets our education and municipal aide in New Britain,” said Sen. Lopes. “For New Britain we are consistently advocating for more education funding to ensure a future for our youth and more municipal aide to keep down local taxes.”

“We passed a bipartisan budget with historic investments in local and special education funding, in addition to prioritizing higher education,” said Rep. Gary Turco (D-Newington, New Britain). “This is a winning formula for the present and future of learning in New Britain whether it is the city’s public schools or Central Connecticut State University.”

“The New Britain delegation brought the resources home even under the fiscal guardrails in place,” said Rep. Robert Sanchez. “I am proud of our work and a delegation that works together to keep New Britain on the radar and well represented in the state budget.”

“The New Britain delegation worked hard to deliver funding for the city in this budget,” said Rep. Manny Sanchez. “We expanded funding for our schools, including special education all within a budget that allows us to hold the line on local property taxes.”

“It’s very heartening to see our budget pass on such a strong, bipartisan basis,” said Rep. Tercyak. “The far-reaching agreement between both parties is a positive sign for the citizens of Connecticut.”

The budget passed today includes the first personal income tax cut in Connecticut in nearly 30 years, and it’s focused on Connecticut’s broad middle class – those earning up to $80,000 a year – although all taxpayers will benefit to some extent.

The current 3% income tax rate on the first $10,000 earned by single filers and the $20,000 earned by couples will drop to 2%, and the 5% income tax rate imposed on the next $40,000 earned by singles and $100,000 earned by couples will drop to 4.5%. The income tax cuts are expected to save moderate income households $300 to $500 per year.

The new budget also expands the income tax credit for Connecticut’s working poor from 30.5% of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit to 40%, helping approximately 200,000 Connecticut households.

The new budget also expands the income tax exemption for some pension and annuity earnings, expanding it to single filers making $75,000 – $100,000 and couples making $100,000 -$150,000.

On the spending side, local school districts are the winners, with many towns getting more state aid and no city or town seeing a reduction. The new budget provides over $232 million more in Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grants for Connecticut cities and towns, thereby providing property tax assistance. There’s also $16 million to continue expanded free school meals for children.

Private provider organizations that contract for state-sponsored social services (like aging, disability, corrections, housing, mental health and addiction, early childhood, etc.) will receive $87 million more in each year of the budget, providing 4% and 5.4% cost of living wage increases for their employees.
Other budget highlights include: $3 million to expand HUSKY health care for children up to age 15, regardless of their immigration status; $6 million to expand GPS monitoring of domestic violence offenders across the state; $5.4 million to implement early voting initiatives; Support for public higher education at levels far above those originally proposed

Moore, Gaston Highlight Funding for Bridgeport in State Budget

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Moore, Gaston Highlight Funding for Bridgeport in State Budget

Today, state Senators Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport) and Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport) highlighted state funding for Bridgeport in the new biennial state budget. Included in the budget is increased funding for the city of Bridgeport, local K-12 education, area non-profits, and increased access to debt-free community college.

In the state budget which passed the State Senate today, funding for K-12 education in Bridgeport will be $192.4 million this year and $200.3 million the year after. These are increases over Fiscal Year 2023 of $3.4 million and $11.4 million, respectively. In addition, Bridgeport will receive increased funding for adult education for a total of $2.66 million in FY 2024 and $2.67 million in FY 2025.

Beyond education funding, the city of Bridgeport will receive: $22.4 million each year through the Payment in Lieu of Taxes grant; $6.05 million each year through the Supplemental Revenue Sharing Grant; $5.6 million each year through the Mashantucket Pequot & Mohegan Fund Grant; $2.19 million each year through the Local Capital Improvement grant; $1.39 million each year through the Town Aid Road grant; $1 million each year through the Municipal Grant-In-Aid funding program

In addition, the city of Bridgeport will receive funding beyond the normal funding grants available to other municipalities. In the Supplemental Revenue Sharing Grant, Bridgeport will receive $7 million in FY 24.

Furthermore, the taxpayers of Bridgeport will see direct property tax relief through the continuation of the cap on the car tax. With the cap remaining at 32.46 mills, the state will send $9.9 million each year to Bridgeport to pay for the property tax relief provided to motor vehicle owners.

In Bridgeport, the state budget is allocating the following to local non-profits: ACCESS Educational Services – $60k; Yuke Nation Inc. – $15k; The Bridgeport Police Activities League Inc. – $15k; Project LEARN – $7.5k; Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders, Inc. – $500k; Cardinal Shehan Center – $10k; Unique and Unified New Era Youth Development, Inc. – $25k; Hope Center Foundation For Non-Violence and Social Change – $12.5k; Bridgeport Youth Lacrosse Inc. – $110k; East End Baptist Tabernacle Church Inc. – $40k; The SYMI Academy – $10k; McGivney Community Center Inc. – $10k; Yellow Mill Village Scholarship Foundation Inc. – $10k; Unique & Unified New Era Youth Movement – $15k; The Dominican American Coalition of Connecticut, Inc. – $10k; 100 Girls Leading – $15k; East End NRZ Market & Café – $60k; Creative Youth Productions Inc. (CYP) – $15k; Village Initiative Project Inc. – $132.5k; The Willie and Sandra McBride Foundation – $75k; Bernard Buddy Jordan Foundation – $75k; Bridgeport Economic 470 Development Corporation for cultural events – $350k; Full Circle Youth Empowerment – $1M; Bridgeport City Hall for Lighthouse Program – $375k – in 2024 & 2025; Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders – $200k – in 2024 & 2025; Elevate Bridgeport – $200k; Greater Bridgeport OIC Job Development and Training Program – $100k; Cradle to Career – $150k; Bridgeport workplace – $750k

The new state budget also includes $7.8 million over the next two years for gun violence prevention in Connecticut. A portion of this funding will support state-funded efforts in Bridgeport to reduce gun violence.

“Securing funding in our state budget will create opportunities for families to succeed in Bridgeport,” said Sen. Moore. “Non-profits, education, and increasing awareness surrounding gun-violence depicts the vision for the future of our residents. Safeguarding these funds will allocate resources that are detrimental to our community in Bridgeport. This is what Bridgeport deserves. We as a Senate Democratic caucus have taken the initiative to provide our constituents in Connecticut the added resources they need to succeed.”

“This year’s state budget ensures a remarkable future for the great city of Bridgeport,” said Sen. Gaston. “Our priority this legislation was to integrate what was needed most in this budget. Bridgeport will continue to be a community that families can rely on. This budget focuses on the importance of education, providing resources to our local non-profits and working to put an end to gun violence. I am proud to stand alongside my colleagues as we take the lead in building a better future for Connecticut.”

Beyond the support for Bridgeport, the new state budget includes a total of $612 million in personal income and pension tax cuts while providing $300 million more in state aid to local school districts and hundreds of millions more for nonprofits to pay their employees higher wages.

The budget passed today includes the first personal income tax cut in Connecticut in nearly 30 years, and it’s focused on Connecticut’s broad middle class – those earning up to $100,000 a year – although all taxpayers will benefit to some extent.

The current 3% income tax rate on the first $10,000 earned by single filers and the $20,000 earned by couples will drop to 2%, and the 5% income tax rate imposed on the next $40,000 earned by singles and $100,000 earned by couples will drop to 4.5%. The income tax cuts are expected to save moderate income households $300 to $500 per year.

The new budget also expands the income tax credit for Connecticut’s working poor from 30.5% of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit to 40%, helping approximately 200,000 Connecticut households.

The new budget also expands the income tax exemption for some pension and annuity earnings, expanding it to single filers making $75,000 – $100,000 and couples making $100,000 -$150,000.

On the spending side, local school districts are the winners, with many towns getting more state aid and no city or town seeing a reduction. The new budget provides over $232 million more in Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grants for Connecticut cities and towns, thereby providing property tax assistance. There’s also $16 million to continue expanded free school meals for children.

Private provider organizations that contract for state-sponsored social services (like aging, disability, corrections, housing, mental health and addiction, early childhood, etc.) will receive $87 million more in each year of the budget, providing 4% and 5.4% cost of living wage increases for their employees.

Other budget highlights include:$3 million to expand HUSKY health care for children up to age 15, regardless of their immigration status; $6 million to expand GPS monitoring of domestic violence offenders across the state; $5.4 million to implement early voting initiatives; Support for public higher education at levels far above those originally proposed

SENATE GIVES FINAL APPROVAL TO STATE BUDGET PACKAGE WITH HISTORIC TAX CUTS

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SENATE GIVES FINAL APPROVAL TO STATE BUDGET PACKAGE WITH HISTORIC TAX CUTS

More Aid for Local Schools and Nonprofits Rounds Out Bipartisan Two-Year State Spending and Revenue Plan

HARTFORD – State Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport / Stratford) today joined in the bipartisan Senate passage of a two-year state budget that includes a historic middle-class personal income tax cut while simultaneously providing towns more money for local schools as well as funding much-needed state social service programs.

The $51.1 billion biennial state budget passed the Senate today on a bipartisan vote of 35-1. The new state budget includes a total of $612 million in personal income and pension tax cuts while providing $300 million more in state aid to local school districts and hundreds of millions more for nonprofits to pay their employees higher wages.

In the new state budget, Stratford will receive over a $4.1 million increase in state Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grants over the next two years, and over $6.2 million in additional state funding over two years.

“This biennial state budget provides Connecticut with relief as funds will increase support for education and provide tax cuts for thousands of residents in Connecticut,” said Sen. Gaston. “Stratford alone receiving additional state funding increases support for children and their families. I am proud of the work done today by my colleagues that will award students an education and provide resources to local non-profits.”

The budget passed today includes the first personal income tax cut in Connecticut in nearly 30 years, and it’s focused on Connecticut in nearly 30 years, and it’s focused on Connecticut’s broad middle class – those earning up to $80,000 a year – although all taxpayers will benefit to some extent.

The current 3% income tax rate on the first $10,000 earned by single filers and the $20,000 earned by couples will drop to 2%, and the 5% income tax rate imposed on the next $40,000 earned by singles and $100,000 earned by couples will drop to 4.5%. The income tax cuts are expected to save moderate income households $300 to $500 per year.

The new budget also expands the income tax credit for Connecticut’s working poor from 30.5% of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit to 40%, helping approximately 200,000 Connecticut households.

The new budget also expands the income tax exemption for some pension and annuity earnings, expanding it to single filers making $75,000 – $100,000 and couples making $100,000 -$150,000.

On the spending side, local school districts are the winners, with many towns getting more state aid and no city or town seeing a reduction. The new budget provides over $232 million more in Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grants for Connecticut cities and towns, thereby providing property tax assistance. There’s also $16 million to continue expanded free school meals for children.

Private provider organizations that contract for state-sponsored social services (like aging, disability, corrections, housing, mental health and addiction, early childhood, etc.) will receive $87 million more in each year of the budget, providing 4% and 5.4% cost of living wage increases for their employees.

Other budget highlights include: $3 million to expand HUSKY health care for children up to age 15, regardless of their immigration status; $6 million to expand GPS monitoring of domestic violence offenders across the state; $5.4 million to implement early voting initiatives; Support for public higher education at levels far above those originally proposed

Senate Gives Final Approval To State Budget Package With Historic Tax Cuts

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Senate Gives Final Approval To State Budget Package With Historic Tax Cuts

Tens of Millions of Aid for Local Schools and Nonprofits Rounds Out Bipartisan Two-Year State Spending and Revenue Plan

HARTFORD – State Senator Jan Hochadel (D-Meriden) today joined in the bipartisan Senate passage of a two-year state budget that includes a historic middle-class personal income tax cut while providing towns more money for local schools as well as funding much-needed state social service programs.

The $51.1 billion biennial state budget passed the Senate today on a bipartisan vote of 35-1. The new state budget includes a total of $612 million in personal income and pension tax cuts while providing $300 million more in state aid to local school districts and hundreds of millions more for nonprofits to pay their employees higher wages.

In the 13th district, which includes Meriden, Cheshire, Middlefield, and Middletown, Senator Hochadel secured an increase of $14.7 million in state funding over the next two years, and an increase of $16.2 million in ECS funding over the next two years.

Senator Hochadel is thrilled to welcome additional resources to support the elderly population in our state, including over $8.3 million for the elderly nutrition program. The budget also includes $5 million to assist paraeducators.

“This bipartisan budget invests in our schools, students and staff and provides our K-12 students with the best opportunities to learn and succeed,” said Sen. Hochadel. “I am also thrilled we’re increasing support for paraeducators, whose one-on-one attention given to students in the classroom is vital to their continued education. Also, this budget passed today works to expand services for seniors in communities across the state and as Chair of the Aging Committee, I will continue to fight for our elderly population.”

The budget passed today includes the first personal income tax cut in Connecticut in nearly 30 years, and it’s focused on Connecticut’s broad middle class – those earning up to $80,000 a year – although all taxpayers will benefit to some extent.

The current 3% income tax rate on the first $10,000 earned by single filers and the $20,000 earned by couples will drop to 2%, and the 5% income tax rate imposed on the next $40,000 earned by singles and $100,000 earned by couples will drop to 4.5%. The income tax cuts are expected to save moderate income households $300 to $500 per year.

The new budget also expands the income tax credit for Connecticut’s working poor from 30.5% of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit to 40%, helping approximately 200,000 Connecticut households.

The new budget also expands the income tax exemption for some pension and annuity earnings, expanding it to single filers making $75,000 – $100,000 and couples making $100,000 -$150,000.

On the spending side, local school districts are the winners, with many towns getting more state aid and no city or town seeing a reduction. The new budget provides over $232 million more in Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grants for Connecticut cities and towns, thereby providing property tax assistance. There’s also $16 million to continue expanded free school meals for children.

Private provider organizations that contract for state-sponsored social services (like aging, disability, corrections, housing, mental health and addiction, early childhood, etc.) will receive $87 million more in each year of the budget, providing 4% and 5.4% cost of living wage increases for their employees.

Other budget highlights include:$3 million to expand HUSKY health care for children up to age 15, regardless of their immigration status; $6 million to expand GPS monitoring of domestic violence offenders across the state; $5.4 million to implement early voting initiatives; Support for public higher education at levels far above those originally proposed

Sen. Cabrera Gives Final Approval to Bipartisan, Democratic-Led State Budget with Historic Tax Cuts

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Sen. Cabrera Gives Final Approval to Bipartisan, Democratic-Led State Budget with Historic Tax Cuts

More Aid for Local Schools and Nonprofits Rounds Out Bipartisan Two-Year State Spending and Revenue Plan

HARTFORD – State Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) today joined in the bipartisan Senate passage of a two-year state budget that includes a historic middle-class personal income tax cut while simultaneously providing towns more money for local schools as well as funding much-needed state social service programs.

The $51.1 billion biennial state budget for July 2023-June 2025 passed the Senate on a bipartisan vote of 35-1. The new state budget includes a total of $612 million in personal income and pension tax cuts while providing $300 million more in state aid to local school districts and hundreds of millions more for nonprofits to pay their employees higher wages.

“Today we continued to provide relief to our state’s middle class and while also increasing aid to towns, cities and our schools and I am pleased to give this two-year budget my approval,” said Sen. Cabrera. “When I went door knocking last year, I heard my constituents loud and clear that more was needed to help them navigate inflation and other high costs. I strongly believe this budget, which includes historic tax cuts, offers a noticeable measure of relief for Connecticut’s middle class.”

The budget passed today includes the first personal income tax cut in Connecticut in nearly 30 years, and it’s focused on Connecticut’s broad middle class – those earning up to $80,000 a year – although all taxpayers will benefit to some extent.

The current 3% income tax rate on the first $10,000 earned by single filers and the $20,000 earned by couples will drop to 2%, and the 5% income tax rate imposed on the next $40,000 earned by singles and $80,000 earned by couples will drop to 4.5%. The income tax cuts are expected to save middle-class households $300 to $500 per year.

The new budget expands the income tax exemption for some pension and annuity earnings, expanding it to single filers making $75,000 – $100,000 and couples making $100,000 -$150,000. And the budget also expands the income tax credit for Connecticut’s working poor from 30.5% of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit to 40%, helping approximately 200,000 Connecticut households.

On the spending side, local school districts are the winners, with many towns getting more state aid and no city or town being cut. The new budget provides $300 million more in Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grants for Connecticut cities and towns, thereby helping to keep local property tax rates low. There’s also $16 million to continue expanded free school meals for children.

Private provider organizations that contract for state-sponsored social services (like aging, disability, corrections, housing, mental health and addiction, early childhood, etc.) will receive $87 million more in each year of the budget, providing 4% and 5.4% cost of living wage increases for their employees.

Other budget highlights include: Restores 100% of service on the New Haven train line and branch lines next year; $3 million to expand HUSKY health care for children up to age 15; $6 million to expand GPS monitoring of domestic violence offenders across the state; $5.4 million to implement early voting initiatives

SENATE GIVES FINAL APPROVAL TO BIPARTISAN, DEMOCRATIC LED BUDGET WITH HISTORIC TAX CUTS

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SENATE GIVES FINAL APPROVAL TO BIPARTISAN, DEMOCRATIC LED BUDGET WITH HISTORIC TAX CUTS

More Aid for Local Schools and Nonprofits Rounds Out Bipartisan Two-Year State Spending and Revenue Plan

HARTFORD – State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) today joined in the bipartisan Senate passage of a two-year state budget that includes a historic middle-class personal income tax cut while simultaneously providing towns more money for local schools as well as funding much-needed state social service programs.

The $51.1 billion biennial state budget passed the Senate today on a bipartisan vote of 35-1. The new state budget includes a total of $612 million in personal income and pension tax cuts while providing $300 million more in state aid to local school districts and hundreds of millions more for nonprofits to pay their employees higher wages.

“Connecticut deserves a budget that meets its residents where they are,” said Sen. Anwar. “I am proud to join my colleagues in supporting this two-year spending plan because it does just that. We’re giving countless families valuable tax relief without losing sight of supporting our schools, funding our nonprofits and bolstering our workforce pipelines. The local support for the 3rd Senate District only furthers my belief in this budget. It’s setting the stage for Connecticut’s next two years in the best way.”

Through the state’s Education Cost Sharing Formula in the budget, towns in the 3rd Senate District will receive $10.61 million in additional educational support in the next two years.

The budget passed today includes the first personal income tax cut in Connecticut in nearly 30 years, and it’s focused on Connecticut’s broad middle class – those earning up to $100,000 a year – although all taxpayers will benefit to some extent.

The current 3% income tax rate on the first $10,000 earned by single filers and the $20,000 earned by couples will drop to 2%, and the 5% income tax rate imposed on the next $40,000 earned by singles and $80,000 earned by couples will drop to 4.5%. The income tax cuts are expected to save middle-class households $300 to $500 per year.

The new budget also expands the income tax credit for Connecticut’s working poor from 30.5% of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit to 40%, helping approximately 200,000 Connecticut households.

The new budget also expands the income tax exemption for some pension and annuity earnings, expanding it to single filers making $75,000 – $100,000 and couples making $100,000 -$150,000.

On the spending side, local school districts are the winners, with many towns getting more state aid and no city or town being cut. The new budget provides over $232 million more in Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grants for Connecticut cities and towns, thereby helping to keep local property tax rates low. There’s also $16 million to continue expanded free school meals for children.

Private provider organizations that contract for state-sponsored social services (like aging, disability, corrections, housing, mental health and addiction, early childhood, etc.) will receive $87 million more in each year of the budget, providing 4% and 5.4% cost of living wage increases for their employees.

Other budget highlights include: $3 million to expand HUSKY health care for children up to age 15, regardless of their immigration status; $6 million to expand GPS monitoring of domestic violence offenders across the state; $5.4 million to implement early voting initiatives; Restores 100% of service on the New Haven train line and branch lines next year

SENATE GIVES FINAL APPROVAL TO STATE BUDGET PACKAGE WITH HISTORIC TAX CUTS

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SENATE GIVES FINAL APPROVAL TO STATE BUDGET PACKAGE WITH HISTORIC TAX CUTS

HARTFORD – State Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) today joined in the bipartisan Senate passage of a two-year state budget that includes a historic middle-class personal income tax cut while providing towns more money for local schools as well as funding much-needed state social service programs.

The $51.1 billion biennial state budget passed the Senate today on a bipartisan vote of 35-1. The new state budget includes a total of $612 million in personal income and pension tax cuts while providing $300 million more in state aid to local school districts and hundreds of millions more for nonprofits to pay their employees higher wages.

In the 14th district, which includes Milford, Woodbridge, West Haven, and Orange, Senator Maroney secured an increase of $7.4 million in state funding over the next two years, and an increase of $6.2 million in ECS funding over the next two years.

“This biennial budget focuses on strengthening municipalities across Connecticut providing support while prioritizing the needs of thousands of residents across the state,” said Senator Maroney. “I am also proud we are prioritizing the safety of our residents. Part of this budget includes funding to expand GPS monitoring of domestic violence offenders across the state. This will hopefully restore some small sense of safety and security to those victims of domestic violence who are living in fear.”

The budget passed today includes the first personal income tax cut in Connecticut in nearly 30 years, and it’s focused on Connecticut’s broad middle class – those earning up to $100,000 a year – although all taxpayers will benefit to some extent.

The current 3% income tax rate on the first $10,000 earned by single filers and the $20,000 earned by couples will drop to 2%, and the 5% income tax rate imposed on the next $40,000 earned by singles and $80,000 earned by couples will drop to 4.5%. The income tax cuts are expected to save middle-class households $300 to $500 per year.

The new budget also expands the income tax credit for Connecticut’s working poor from 30.5% of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit to 40%, helping approximately 200,000 Connecticut households.

The new budget also expands the income tax exemption for some pension and annuity earnings, expanding it to single filers making $75,000 – $100,000 and couples making $100,000 -$150,000.

On the spending side, local school districts are the winners, with many towns getting more state aid and no city or town being cut. The new budget provides over $232 million more in Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grants for Connecticut cities and towns, thereby helping to keep local property tax rates low. There’s also $16 million to continue expanded free school meals for children.

Private provider organizations that contract for state-sponsored social services (like aging, disability, corrections, housing, mental health and addiction, early childhood, etc.) will receive $87 million more in each year of the budget, providing 4% and 5.4% cost of living wage increases for their employees.

Other budget highlights include: $3 million to expand HUSKY health care for children up to age 15, regardless of their immigration status; $6 million to expand GPS monitoring of domestic violence offenders across the state; $5.4 million to implement early voting initiatives; Support for public higher education at levels far above those originally proposed.

LOONEY LEADS FINAL APPROVAL OF BIPARTISAN, DEMOCRATIC BUDGET WITH HISTORIC TAX CUTS

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LOONEY LEADS FINAL APPROVAL OF BIPARTISAN, DEMOCRATIC BUDGET WITH HISTORIC TAX CUTS

More Aid for Local Schools and Nonprofits Rounds Out Bipartisan Two-Year State Spending and Revenue Plan

HARTFORD – Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney today led bipartisan Senate passage of a two-year state budget that includes a historic working class and middle class personal income tax cut while simultaneously providing towns more money for local schools as well as funding much-needed state social service programs.

The $51.1 billion biennial state budget for July 2023-June 2025 passed the Senate today. The new state budget includes a total of $612 million in personal income and pension tax cuts while providing $300 million more in state aid to local school districts and hundreds of millions more for nonprofits to pay their employees higher wages.

“This budget reflects our core Democratic value that government must invest in people for our state to prosper,” said Senator Looney. “Hundreds of millions more in state funding for our neediest, our non-profit service providers, our local schools, our higher education system, and our cities and towns demonstrates the Democratic commitment to assisting the people of Connecticut. We are able to accomplish all of these investments while also targeting tax cuts to the working class, the middle class, and retirees.”

The budget passed today includes the first personal income tax cut in Connecticut in nearly 30 years, and it’s focused on Connecticut’s broad middle class – those earning up to $100,000 a year – although all taxpayers will benefit to some extent.

The current 3% income tax rate on the first $10,000 earned by single filers and the $20,000 earned by couples will drop to 2%, and the 5% income tax rate imposed on the next $40,000 earned by singles and $80,000 earned by couples will drop to 4.5%. The income tax cuts are expected to save middle-class households $300 to $500 per year.

The new budget also expands the income tax credit for Connecticut’s working poor from 30.5% of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit to 40%, helping approximately 200,000 Connecticut households.

The new budget also expands the income tax exemption for some pension and annuity earnings, expanding it to single filers making $75,000 – $100,000 and couples making $100,000 -$150,000.

On the spending side, local school districts are the winners, with many towns getting more state aid and no city or town being cut. The new budget provides over $232 million more in Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grants for Connecticut cities and towns, thereby helping to keep local property tax rates low. There’s also $16 million to continue expanded free school meals for children.

Private provider organizations that contract for state-sponsored social services (like aging, disability, corrections, housing, mental health and addiction, early childhood, etc.) will receive $87 million more in each year of the budget, providing 4% and 5.4% cost of living wage increases for their employees.

Other budget highlights include: $3 million to expand HUSKY health care for children up to age 15, regardless of their immigration status; $6 million to expand GPS monitoring of domestic violence offenders across the state; $5.4 million to implement early voting initiatives; Restores 100% of service on the New Haven train line and branch lines next year