HARTFORD, CT - State Representative Mike Molgano (R-144) reacted with mixed feelings to the Governor Dannel P. Malloy’s proposed biennial $4.1 billion budget. The budget was presented to the State House of Representatives and State Senate in a joint convention of the legislature this afternoon by Malloy.
One particular concern for Molgano was that the budget called for $73 million to go to local education. A wonderful cause, but when examined further the state will take money from general funds and give it to Boards of Education—leaving a hole in town budgets.
If this proposal goes into place Stamford schools will see a $3 million dollar increase over the next year. This will come at the cost of the Town of Stamford. This cost will come on top of losing revenue from the city’s car tax, which the Governor plans to eliminate.
“Are we helping or hurting? I am in full support of increasing funds to schools, but not at our city’s expense. How much revenue is the city going to lose?” Rep. Molgano asked.
Another big proponent of the Governor’s budget was the Bioscience Innovation Act. This new program will establish a 200 million dollar fund to strengthen Connecticut’s bioscience sector over the next ten years.
“These are future jobs, what about today’s jobs? What about the workers who are out of work right now? This budget does nothing to address that,” Rep. Molgano said.
Although the budget won’t be finalized until late May or early June, both republican and democratic legislators can agree there is a lot to discuss and debate.
