The Budget Addres

Governor Outlines Ideas In Speech

"It's a new vision, where we invest today for the rewards of tomorrow."

Yesterday, Governor Jodi Rell delivered her budget address in front of members of the General Assembly. It was look at with mixed feelings. In fact, Democrats actually had much more favorable views of it rather than the Republicans did.

Here is what our local area legislatures felt.

State Senator David Cappiello (R-24)
On the income tax:
"I am concerned, the states with no income tax are those that are doing much better at growing their economies and creating jobs."

State Representative Jason Bartlett (D-2)
On the education proposal:
"That seems to be to be a real home run."

State Representative Bob Godfrey (D-110)
On the general budget:
"I'd say this is the happiest budget proposal in my 19 years in the legislature."

State Representative Jan Giegler (R-138)
On the education proposal:
"If they have children in school, they might (like the idea) but if they don't have children, I don't know."

The proposal included much on education, health care, energy, and taxes. Here's a good link to get all the major parts officially from the Governor's Office.

Here are some highlights from the Governor's speech (courtesy of the Hartford Courant):

EDUCATION SPENDING REFORM
- $3.2 billion over five years for local schools
- $1.1 billion annually in increased funding to municipalities
- $150 million from surplus for teachers' pensions
- $50 million from surplus for school textbooks and maintenance
- $25 million in new financial aid for college students
- $16.1 million in additional early childhood education improvements.
- $669 in school construction funds

CAR TAX ELIMINATION
- Phase out tax over five years, along with property tax credit
- Replace funds with casino revenue
- Maintain property tax credit for senior citizens

PROPERTY TAX REFORM
- Increase state contribution to local schools from 40 percent to 50 percent.
- Increase maximum income rate from 5 percent to 5.5 percent
- Increase cigarette tax from $1.51 to $2 per pack

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
- $98.6 million from surplus devoted to Medicaid and health service costs.
- $18.9 million to extend health care to uninsured state residents at $250 per month, and as low as $75 for low-income adults.
- $8 million to expand HUSKY health benefit for children by enrolling newborns at hospitals and requiring school children to be enrolled.
- $65.4 million in new spending for juvenile justice programs
- $15 million to increase social service worker salaries

ENERGY
- $30 million from surplus for Energy Conservation program
- $35 million to restore full funding of renewable energy and energy conservation funds.
- Create tax incentives for consumers to reduce energy use
- Promote local production of bio-fuel crops

TRANSPORTATION
- $40 million for rail station and parking garage improvements
- 24 new electric rail cars for New Haven and Shore Line East lines
- $20 million annually to expedite highway bridge repairs
- Increase bus fares from $1.25 to $1.50

ENVIRONMENT AND RESPONSIBLE GROWTH
- $145 million in new bonding authority for clean water projects
- $30 million in bonding authority for purchase of open space
- $20 million in fiscal year 2009 for a responsible Growth Incentive Fund
- $2.7 million in grants and equipment to assist localities with responsible growth planning

So what do you think. Did the Governor do a good job? What is going to get passed, and what isn't? Feel free to comment.