Supports Deficit Reduction Package

On Wednesday, February 25, State Rep. David Scribner (R-Brookfield, Bethel) voted in favor of legislation to eliminate $1.2 billion of the state’s $1.35 billion deficit. Rep. Scribner, who serves as a member of the Legislature’s tax-writing Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee, said the package retains state funding for the towns of Brookfield and Bethel for the current fiscal year.

Following subsequent approval by the State Senate, it now goes to Governor M. Jodi Rell for final approval.

Rep. Scribner joined with House Republican legislators to defeat a proposed cut of special education funding for Brookfield and Bethel that was originally included in the package.  He noted that the House of Representatives came together in a bipartisan fashion to craft the bill that was approved.

“The package we approved is not perfect,” said Rep. Scribner. “I would have preferred that more streamlining of government be included. However, the fact that we were able to come together to prevent a direct tax increase on Brookfield and Bethel taxpayers is a very positive thing. We can now really begin to turn our attention to addressing the more serious crisis of the budget that will take effect this summer.”

Measures included in the package include:

• $168 million in savings that Republicans proposed in their own deficit mitigation proposal;
• No cuts in state aid to cities and towns;
• No tax increases;
• Limited use of the state’s rainy day fund;
• A change in prescription drug coverage that will save 30,000 seniors an average of $1,200 a year on prescription drug costs, while saving the state money. It would allow recipients of ConnPACE (Connecticut Prescription Assistance to the Elderly) to access federal Medicare Part D prescription benefits.