Message to District 52 from State Rep. Penny Bacchiochi

Faced with decreasing revenues and a looming economic recession, House Republicans have offered an alternative budget, which I believe is the best option available to the General Assembly in these uncertain economic times.

The alternative budget offered would cut state gas taxes, eliminate a business tax and be balanced by offering thousands of state employees an early retirement plan that will reduce spending by $163 million next year, according to the Legislature’s non-partisan Office of Fiscal Analysis.

With time running out in this legislative session (scheduled to adjourn on May 7) we put forth a balanced tax and spending plan that will not raise taxes, streamline government and will avoid potentially huge budget defi cits and tax increases in the coming years.

The alternative budget would:

Cut gas prices by 10 cents through a summer state tax moratorium and a roll back the scheduled gross receipts tax increase of .5 percent on July 1. Those roll backs will save consumers $50 millions Republicans said.

Eliminate the $250 Business Entity Tax that all businesses pay just for opening their doors over two years to save $35 million ($17.5 million in the first year)

Offers up to 11,600 eligible state workers an early retirement incentive program (ERIP) to save a projected $163 million in the next fiscal year.

Along with these provisions, the alternative budget proposal also includes $10 million for additional resources to comply with the enhanced crime bill passed by the legislature in mid-April . Without funding for that bill, the changes in the penal system will not be able to happen. This is a critical part of the alternative budget proposal.

An ERIP offered in 2003 in the midst of the last state fiscal crisis saw more than 4,000 workers retire and cut the state payroll by more than $155 million . I would like to stress that no state worker would lose his or her job because of the ERIP.

State government must become more efficient , like many of the residents of our state buckling down to weather the forecasted economic downturn. Now is not the time to be discussing new spending or taxes, that’s for sure.

Somers Public Library Groundbreaking

At the Somers Public Library groundbreaking. The library is about to undertake an ambitious expansion. Library Building Committee Chairwoman, Shirley Warner, organized the event.

State Rep. Penny Bacchiochi nominated for 4th term

State Rep. Penny Bacchiochi (R-Somers) was unanimously nominated Thursday night to serve a fourth term as the state representative for the 52^nd Assembly District, which includes Somers, Stafford and Union.

Rep. Bacchiochi expressed her gratitude to all of those who attended the nominating convention and said she is looking forward to a vibrant campaign this fall.

“In my years as a state legislator, I have truly enjoyed both the responsibility of representing the 52^nd District, and the hands-on experience of being able to help my constituents,” said Rep. Bacchiochi. “If I am privileged to be re-elected, I look forward to continuing to fight for low-cost transportation for seniors and other improvements for my constituents.”

In addition to her position as ranking member of the Legislature's Planning and Development Committee, Bacchiochi is also ranking member on the Internship Committee and a member of the Public Safety and Security Committee, as well as a member of the Connecticut Legislative Sportsman's caucus, a member of the Northeast Delegation caucus and a state director for the national organization of Women in Government.

Bacchiochi is active with many local organizations, where she serves as a member of the Board of Trustees for Johnson Memorial Hospital; she is a pro-tem Board Member for Stafford Outfitters, and a member of the National Rifle Association. In the past, Bacchiochi has been active in numerous other organizations, including the Somers PTA, Friends of the Somers Library, the Northern CT Land Trust, Relay for Life, a volunteer for the American Cancer Society, and a former member of the Stafford Planning and Zoning Commission.

Meet with Department of Social Services Representatives

State Representative Penny Bacchiochi

Encourages you to meet with

Department of Social Services Representatives

Social workers will be available to help you determine if you qualify for state health insurance, (HUSKY, CHOICES, END HUNGER PROGRAM), food stamps and other types of assistance.

The DSS-Rx Bus will be at the Stafford Town Hall on

Thursday May 15, 2008

From

10am-3pm

Alternative GOP budget cuts gas taxes, business taxes, offers early state employee retirement

HARTFORD – April 28, 2008 The alternative Republican budget offered today would cut state gas taxes, eliminate a business tax and balance by offering thousands of state employees an early retirement plan that will reduce spending by $163 million next year, according to the non-partisan Office of Fiscal Analysis.

With just 10 days remaining in the legislative session House and Senate Republicans put forth a balanced tax and spending plan that will not raise taxes, streamlines government and will avoid potentially huge budget deficits in the coming years.

“This budget will give immediate relief at the pumps, and that is exactly what people want and need,” said state Rep. Penny Bacchiochi (R-Somers). “Additionally, the ‘do something’ budget demands that we reduce expenses, just as we are all trying to do with our own family budgets.”

Democratic leaders have said they are content to not make major changes in the 2008-09 budget because of recent drops in revenue projections. The Republican alternative would:

· Cut gas prices by 10 cents through a summer state tax moratorium and a roll back the scheduled gross receipts tax increase of .5 percent on July 1. Those roll backs will save consumers $50 millions Republicans said.

· Eliminate the $250 Business Entity Tax that all businesses pay just for opening their doors over two years to save $35 million ($17.5 million in the first year)

· Phase out of the so-called Death Tax cliff that will save families $24 million and help keep more people in Connecticut ($12 million in the first year).

· Offers up to 11,600 eligible state workers an early retirement incentive program (ERIP) to save a projected $163 million in the next fiscal year.

The ERIP offered in 2003 in the midst of the last state fiscal crisis saw more than 4,000 workers retire and cut the state payroll by more than $155 million. Republicans stressed that no state worker would lose his or her job because of the ERIP.

Rep. Bacchiochi: STEAP grants will benefit towns of the 52nd District

State Rep. Penny Bacchiochi is pleased to announce $800,200 in STEAP grants for the towns of Somers, Stafford and Union. Gov. M. Jodi Rell and the state bonding commission approved the funds at their meeting on March 28.

The following projects were awarded funding:

• $380,000 for streetscape and traffic flow improvements in Somers.

• $300,000 for reconstruction of a portion of Prospect Street in Stafford Springs.

• $120,200 for a salt storage building in Union.

“I’d like to thank Gov. Rell, state Sen. Tony Guglielmo (R-Stafford) and John Kissel (R-Enfield) for their support of these projects,” said Rep. Bacchiochi. “All of these projects are necessary and will benefit the residents of Somers, Stafford and Union. Any funding we can provide from the state will also help ease the local tax burden in these difficult times.”

The state funded STEAP grants provide funds to eligible towns for economic development, community conservation and quality of life projects. To be eligible, a town must have a population of less than 30,000 residents, not be designated as a distressed municipality or a public investment community, and not have an urban center. The state Office of Policy and Management administers this program, and individual projects are managed by several state agencies including DECD.

More than $19.7 million in STEAP funds for 72 towns were approved by the Bond Commission on March 28. The funds will enable 83 projects across the state to move forward.