• Make Connecticut More Affordable
• Make Government More Accountable

ENACT GOVERNOR RELL’S PROPERTY TAX CAP
It’s past time we adopt Governor Rell’s plan and cap annual property tax increases at 3%.  State aide to municipalities has increased 31% under Governor Rell, but our property taxes continue to rise.  Forty-three other states have a cap at the local level.  Connecticut would benefit from a similar plan.

PERMANENT TAX REDUCTION FOR SENIORS
Seniors living on fixed incomes are finding it harder to stay in their homes as property taxes increase every year.  That’s why I have proposed legislation to allow municipalities to freeze property taxes for seniors on their primary residences valued up to $600,000.

CUT AND CAP STATE GAS TAXES
Connecticut gas taxes, which are already among the highest in America (approx. 50 cents/gallon), will continue to rise every time the wholesale price of gas goes up.  Our gas taxes should be capped at 2003 levels and levied per gallon instead of per dollar to protect consumers from hidden increases.

PROHIBIT BRIDGEPORT CITY EMPLOYEES FROM SERVING ON THE CITY COUNCIL
Bridgeport has had many City Council members who have also been paid city employees.  The conflict is obvious.  These members make budget decisions that directly impact their salaries.  The Bridgeport City Charter prohibits this conflict, but the city’s attorney says a state law overrides Bridgeport’s Charter.  I have introduced legislation to change this.

ELIMINATE UNFUNDED STATE MANDATES INCLUDING IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION
The state imposes more than 200 unfunded education mandates on local school budgets, including the state in-school suspension requirement which is driving up property taxes in our neighborhoods.  I was successful in passing legislation to postpone the implementation of this costly mandate and I am working to eliminate it altogether.

EXPAND JOB CREATION TAX CREDITS TO SMALL BUSINESSES
This incentive will help small businesses create new jobs by offsetting some of the costs of hiring a new employee.  The credit would be worth 60% of the value of each new employee’s state tax withholding and applied for every new job created.

REPEAL THE BUSINESS ENTITY TAX
Every Connecticut business pays this $250 annual tax regardless of profitability.  Small businesses and independent contractors are hurt most.  My proposal would repeal it.

PROVIDE QUALITY EDUCATION
The Education Cost Sharing formula is shortchanging cities and suburbs alike. Let’s start from scratch and find a solution that’s fair to Bridgeport, Trumbull and Monroe.