JIM MORELLI

In order for our state to prosper and retain citizens and businesses, we must stop the tax and spend policies of the current administration in Hartford. At 15.4 percent, Connecticut has the second-highest tax burden in the United States, second only to New York. Connecticut has a state income tax of up to 6.99 percent and a sales tax of 6.35 percent. In addition, the state taxes all forms of retirement income. You can’t tax into prosperity. 

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We must stop unfunded mandates that penalize fiscally responsible towns and reward the cities. This budget season Southington received less grant money than the previous year and had to assume that shortfall in their budget. This in an extremely rough economic year. This directly affects the taxpayers as mill rates and assessments rise to cover this lack of funding. Once again burdening the fiscally responsible towns and rewarding the cities who spend out of control. 

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Over the past few years, several large employers, including Lego, Aetna, United Technologies/Raytheon and General Electric, have moved out of the state. According to the Tax Foundation, Connecticut ranks 15th (with first being the worst) in the United States with the highest combined federal and corporate tax rates. New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island rank 18th, 12th and 20th respectively. It’s critical to the economic vitality of our state that lawmakers recognize the need to improve the business climate and take action.

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Over the years, tolls on our roadways have been proposed to further increase state income – as if citizens and businesses don’t pay enough taxes in this state.