Deficit mitigation agreement first step on long journey

State Rep. John Frey (R-Ridgefield) today said closing the state’s current deficit without raising taxes is step forward in the budget process, but also cautioned that a $700 million budget gap for the next fiscal year awaits July 1, and that needs to be addressed be fixed before the legislature adjourns in May.

“I and my House Republican colleagues have been advocating a solution to this year’s budget deficit that does not include tax increases or cut essential aid to towns. I’m happy that my friends on the other side of the aisle have come to the realization that Connecticut residents can not afford to be burdened with more taxes,” said Rep. Frey. “We must, however, begin work on closing the projected $700 million budget gap for the 2001 fiscal year that begins on July 1.” 

The bi-partisan deficit mitigation plan put forth by the House does not include any tax hikes or cuts to essential municipal aid that House Republicans opposed and eliminates only the current $350 million budget gap. The plan does not tackle the looming deficit that kicks in within the next 10 weeks but Rep. Frey said he hopes to address that within the coming days.
    
Rep. Frey said he especially opposes any version of proposed tax hikes on sick people who become hospitalized, insisting that could not be part of any deficit mitigation plan.

House Republicans are prepared to vote to eliminate the projected deficit for the 2011-12 budget year beginning July 1. The budget hole, he said, can be filled with targeted spending reductions, government efficiencies and no tax hikes.