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Despite claims from Malloy that his budget would cut nearly $1.8 billion from the current $43.8 billion budget, the trio said in a release that the plan would actually increase spending by $1.8 billion.
The response from Livvy Floren, Stephen G. Walko and Fred Camillo did, however, applaud the governor's proposed $1.5 billion "Next Generation Connecticut" program to assist future students and the plan to add $73 million to help local education.
But the applause only went so far: The release claims that the additional spending would come in the form of borrowing and would push up against bonding and spending caps.
“Although I applaud the vision and innovative programs outlined by Governor Malloy – especially those for early childhood education and UConn Stamford – I just can’t make the math work,” Floren, who represents the 149th District, said in the response.
Walko, who represents the 150th, was less supportive. “I’m concerned that the budget borrows money to pay for day to day expenses. So while the Governor’s budget seeks to help future students through ‘Next Generation Connecticut,’ this budget saddles that same generation with an overwhelming amount of debt,” he said.
Camillo, of the 151st District, also supported parts of the governor's plan, but said there is a lot of work still to be done before the budget is approved.
“I am in agreement with the Governor’s focus on developing a bioscience sector here in Connecticut that will give our state something other than the financial services on which to rely," Camillo said. "However, I am concerned about how and who will be paying for the certain reduction in taxes he outlined in his speech. I look forward to seeing the details of these proposals as well as working with my colleagues to produce the best possible budget."
The three Republicans did not comment on Malloy's proposal to exempt some cars from local property taxes.
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