Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Budget Stalemate Shaking Loose?

It seems the budget stalemate may be breaking up. Governon Rell sent the following email message today: "Governor M. Jodi Rell, in an effort to move negotiations forward and have a budget in place by September 1, today presented a compromise budget alternative that provides an immediate tax cut for everyone, requires $520 million in spending cuts and proposes $710 million in new revenue.

'We need a state budget. It is time to move negotiations forward, not inch-by-inch but with great strides toward a meaningful agreement,' Governor Rell said. 'If the Democrats show flexibility on the spending side, I will be flexible on the tax side. Therefore, I am offering a true compromise with my fourth budget that should be voted on and signed into law by September 1.'”

The House and Senate will be in Special Session, Thursday, 8-27. They are caucusing today on the latest budget proposals.

Will there be funds to hold off the need for steep increases in the property tax? Will bonding be authorized for transit oriented development, brownfields clean up, affordable housing, historic preservation, open space preservation, farmland protection? Will the Special Transportation Fund receive the infusion necessary to match federal dollars and move key transit expansion and road & bridge repair projects? The budget must protect the health and safety of those most in need today and meet our need to invest for our future as well?

If you can, please take time tomorrow to join advocates at the Capitol to urge adoption of a more progressive income tax and smart, sustainable investments that protect critical programs and services and put us on the track to economic recovery.

Come anytime after 10 to lend your voice!

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