Issue Position: Issues in the 61st Connecticut State Assembly District

Issue Position

Connecticut's economy and the well-being of our residents is the key concern in this election. High taxes squeeze our families' budgets and kill job creation. I believe our towns and state have a bright future once we get state spending under control, cut back on excessive borrowing, and stop passing laws that make it difficult for our neighbors to live, work and thrive in Connecticut.

* We need to stop out-of-control spending and bring some common sense to our state budget.

* We need to reduce state debt, and especially Gov. Malloy's practice of borrowing to meet operating expenses.

* We need to create policies to retain and attract all types of businesses, grow jobs, and keep our graduates here in Connecticut.

I believe we can work toward these goals by:

* Reinstating the tax exemption on clothing and footwear. These unfair taxes hit young families particularly hard.

* Restoring the sales tax exemption on over-the-counter non-prescription drugs. This will help everyone, especially seniors.

* Reducing the gas and diesel tax. This especially helps small business owners.

* Eliminating the $250 business entity tax, which applies to all businesses whether or not they actually turn a profit.

* Eliminating the job-killing unemployment 'special assessment' tax on employers. This is the extra charge business owners have to pay to the State, who borrowed money to pay the unemployment checks to many of our friends and neighbors who have lost their jobs in Connecticut.

* Including "sunset provisions" on any regulations allowing for an automatic review to see if the regulation is still necessary.

* Requiring a super-majority vote in both houses of the General Assembly to pass any new unfunded state mandates request. These mandates impose heavy burdens on towns and squeeze the taxpayer through increased property taxes.

I am eager to hear your thoughts and views on these or other issues.

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