CT Budget

Letter to editor published in Republican American 4/22/2009
The Legislature has a new way of governing. Rep. Lawlor and Sen. McDonald attempted to push an anti-Catholic bill through the Judiciary Committee and when the public objected they claimed they had no idea it would be a problem. They are still at it though trying to pass another bill that would affect what is taught about gay rights in the schools. Now the Democrat controlled Legislature proposes a budget that is rife with tax increases, $3.3 billion. This includes broadening and increasing the income tax, and elimination of property tax credits. No elimination of social agencies we just can’t afford. No job cuts. When the public reacts, they claim it is just a trial balloon. They’re answer to small businesses concerned about the 30% surcharge on business profits is, “If they don’t make a profit, they don’t have to pay the tax.” The Democrats budget does not ask state employee unions to take any cuts. Next to tax increases, Democrats love unions since they are the Democrats biggest supporters. But citizens and businesses can always come up with more money. The governor seems to have been able to come up with a budget with no tax increases and job losses through attrition and retirement incentives. Concerning the Republican budget, Derek Slap, a spokesman for the Senate Democrats said, "We're not saying the whole thing is garbage." What do the Democrats not understand about how bad it is to raise taxes during a recession? Evidently not much.

Dodd

Chris Dodd has done it again. First he is a cheerleader for Fannie and Freddie while taking campaign contributions. He continued boosting them right through last year. Then with the AIG bailout he puts in a clause that allows bonuses. Yesterday he denied he knew about it and today he admits it. He was also the receipient of the largest campaign contribution from AIG execs last year, $103,100. Have the voters had enough yet? Dodd is way overdue for retirement and since the state doesn't have a method to recall a Senator or Representative, and he probably will not resign, it will be up to the voters in 2010. I hope the voters see the light and get rid of this crook who took a sweetheart mortgage with Countrywide and has been the head of Senate Banking Commitee for the last two years and has done nothing to help the nation.

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/sen-dodd-calls-fannie-freddie/story.aspx?guid={6D500286-5BDC-433B-A2EF-A9B3CE520ADE}&dist=msr_15
Sen. Dodd calls Fannie, Freddie 'fundamentally strong'
By Michael R. Crittenden
Last update: 3:11 p.m. EDT July 11, 2008
"This is not a time to be panicking about this. These are viable, strong institutions," Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., said at a Capitol Hill press conference.
The comments came as the two government-sponsored enterprises continued to be the focus of growing fears they could be insolvent or could face a capital crunch. Shares of Freddie Mac were recently down 10% following strong declines earlier this week, while Fannie Mae shares were down 24%.
"The economics are fine in these institutions and people need to know that," Dodd said. There's no reason "to talk about failure," he added.

State Money Crisis

Governor Rell has presented a fiscally responsible budget with no tax increases. She has suggested cutting aid to groups such as Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission, and others. Agencies have said they help students apply to college or help people with discrimination, services that could be available from other sources such as schools or lawyers. Each agency should be asked, if not them, then what should go. The Democratic legislature has apparently sided with the unions who in answer to the request for givebacks, have said they want increased taxation and other guarantees. The Democrats feel the agencies are a necessary part of providing the ‘nanny state’ coverage so loved by them. Democrats controlling the legislature and our representatives in DC have not done their job. Only 69% of the money going to Washington from Connecticut is returned in aid. We have a gas tax of which only 32% goes to transportation. We had a “temporary” state income tax instituted in the 90s. Attorney General Blumenthal wants to start up a stop smoking help line with funds received from a drug company case settlement. They just don’t get it. We, the people, need to take a stand and not blindly be governed by spend and tax policies of the Democrat controlled legislature. If you feel as I do than let your representatives in the state know it by telling them, “No new taxes!”. Or you will not be re-elected.