Sen. Cicarella: Senate Republicans’ Plan Puts Real Money Back in Working Families’ Pockets

Sen. Cicarella: Senate Republicans’ Plan Puts Real Money Back in Working Families’ Pockets

WATCH the press conference here.

HARTFORD, CT — State Sen. Paul Cicarella (R–34) and the Connecticut Senate Republican Caucus today unveiled a long-term affordability plan aimed at lowering taxes and reducing costs. It would effectively eliminate the car tax for working class families, limit property tax increases, lower income tax burdens for working class families, and reduce electricity bills.

“Every day, I hear from constituents asking for help on how we can bring down the rising costs they’re facing,” said Sen. Cicarella, “We are taking action, and we hope we will get support to provide this much needed tax relief in addressing the affordability crisis.”

Under the current leadership, Connecticut now ranks:

• 3^rd highest tax burden
• 3^rd highest electric rates
• 3^rd highest property taxes
• 48^th in new business creation
• 7^th lowest in business friendliness
• 2^nd highest wealth gap

Sen. Cicarella and Senate Republicans are advocating for the following:

WORKING CLASS INCOME TAX CUT:

A $1 billion income tax cut

• 40% reduction for single filers making $50,000 and joint filers making $100,000
• 16% reduction for single filers making $100,000 and joint filers making $200,000
• Eliminate income tax for single filers making $25,000
• Up to $1600 in tax relief for joint filers, up to $800 for a single filers

The Senate Republican Caucus Affordability Plan also includes:

• Institute a Property Tax Levy Cap for municipalities of the greater of 2% or the cost of inflation. Towns are allowed to override the cap for major projects with 60% vote at referendum
• Eliminate occupational license fees for professions including: electrician, HVAC, plumber, teacher, realtor, speech and language pathologist
• Reduce the Payroll tax (CT Paid Family Leave) by 20%
• Implement the Bipartisan Supported Association Health Plans
• Cut All Public Benefits Charges from electric bills for end use customers of each electric distribution company and move such expenses to the state budget process
• Cap Power Purchase Agreements at 2.5 times the wholesale price of electricity
• Prohibit PURA from Enacting Programs with Ratepayer Impact without Legislative Approval
• Immediate study by state agencies on how to reduce the costs of living and working for the people, businesses, municipalities, and non-profit organizations of Connecticut

“This plan helps the people who make Connecticut run, tradespeople, teachers, healthcare workers, small business owners, and families who are rooted here and depend on this state to work,” Sen. Cicarella added.