Candelora and House GOP Vote for Bipartisan Mitigation Plan

In the first demonstration of bipartisan collaboration this session, legislative Republicans and Democrats came together to support a deficit mitigation package that successfully closes the $1.2 billion budget deficit for the current fiscal year ending this June.The compromise package between both parties included no cuts in state aid to cities and towns, no tax increases, and took only $271 million from the state’s $1.4 billion Rainy Day Fund.

“This package is certainly not perfect,” said Representative Vincent Candelora (R-North Branford). “I would have preferred to see a larger commitment on the part of the legislature to streamline government and make meaningful cuts to spending. However, this was a good compromise package that managed to close the deficit without raising taxes and without reducing critical aid to municipalities.”

The final package also included $168 million in savings that Republicans had proposed in their of deficit mitigation proposal, and managed to remove potential cuts in special education funding and local bridge repairs which were contained in the original bill.

Candelora also noted that a centerpiece of the bill is a provision which changes prescription drug coverage which will save 30,000 Connecticut seniors an average of $1,200 per year in prescription drug costs while simultaneously saving the state money.

“It was great to be a part of this encouraging bipartisan effort,” said Candelora. “There is, of course, a great deal left to do this session. With and $8 billion deficit over the next two years, the hardest work yet is ahead. I believe we can make government smaller, more accountable, close the deficit, and not raise taxes. Hopefully, we will continue to find common ground with our Democratic colleagues to make that happen.”