Rep. Reeves Votes Against 2011 Budget & Taxing Wall Street Bonuses
Democrat Refuses to Go Along With Majority
State Representative Peggy Reeves, who represents Norwalk and Wilton in the Connecticut General Assembly, voted against the 2011 state budget supported by Governor Rell and a majority of state lawmakers.
“Although today’s legislation balances the state budget through fiscal year 2011 with no tax increases, and no cuts in municipal aid, it still relies too heavily on borrowing,” said Reeves. “With the issuance of $956 million in bonds, we are using an energy efficiency program paid for by all electric ratepayers and we will be authorizing the continuance of another surcharge on consumers’ electric bills that would have expired. In addition we are making a third deferral of contributions–this time $100 million–to the state employee pension fund, growing an unfunded pension liability that is among the worst in the nation.”
Reeves added, “This budget protects funding for municipalities and implements cuts across a host of state agencies–measures I supported. But, at the same time, this budget takes millions from funds designed specifically for open space, farmland preservation and renewable energy. We cannot continue to tell Connecticut’s residents that we are going to spend money for one thing and then just use it whenever the state coffers run low.”
The budget moves $5 million from the Community Investment Act (CIA) fund–designed to support open space and farmland preservation–to the general fund. It also takes 35% of the CT Energy Efficiency Fund for the next eight years.
Reeves also voted a few days ago against raising the state income tax on certain Wall Street bonuses of $500,000 or more. Although this measure passed both the House and State Senate, Governor Rell is expected to veto the legislation. The bill does not have enough votes to override her veto.
Reeves added, “I understand that there is much frustration about the TARP money, but penalizing Connecticut employees of selected firms just does not make sense and will most likely be ruled unconstitutional.”
Representative Peggy Reeves is serving her first term representing most of Wilton and part of Norwalk in the 143rd Assembly District. Rep Reeves sits on the legislature’s Government Administration and Elections, Judiciary and Transportation Committees.
