CT State Reps Meet With Chamber Of Commerce To Discuss Budget Deficit

From The Office of State Rep Charlie Ferraro: State Representatives Charlie Ferraro and Pam Staneski joined the Milford Chamber of Commerce on Thursday morning to provide a legislative update and to listen to their concerns about the state’s deep budget deficit.

“I am proud of our Republican budget plan which showed that our state could fund core government services without the need for tax increases,” said Rep. Ferraro. “Our businesses can no longer sustain more taxes. As a small business owner, I believe it is time for our state government to stop spending money we don’t have. We started the budget conversation in the House and Senate, and now our colleagues on the other side of the aisle need to come to the table with the understanding that a no-tax-increase budget can be accomplished.”

State Rep. Pam Staneski said, “I want to thank all those who attended the chamber event. I’m committed to working in a bipartisan effort to find what ails the Connecticut economy. I want our state to thrive and be a place where businesses can prosper and jobs can be created.”

The roundtable discussion focused on the significant budgetary shortfall facing Connecticut. On Monday, final revenue numbers were released showing a massive drop in state revenues. The current fiscal year is now projected to end June 30 with an approximate $389.8 million shortfall, and the following two fiscal years are now predicted to have deficits of $2.3 billion and $2.7 billion.

Milford Chamber members in attendance stressed the need for lawmakers to create predictability and look towards the future by producing a long-term budget. Reps. Ferraro and Staneski pointed to their long-term framework budget they introduce last year that put the state on a five-year path to fiscal sustainability.

The Chamber also told lawmakers that creating strong urban centers and focusing on manufacturing will help kick start the economy and attract young professionals to the state. Other topics of discussion included prioritizing state spending, affordable housing laws, and supporting Platt Technical High School.

The gavel will fall on the 2017 legislative session at midnight on June 7th. For more information and to stay up-to-date visit Rep.Ferraro.com orRep.Staneski.com.

Image Courtesy of The Office of CT Rep Ferraro