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06/08/2016 08:00 AMOn July 17, 2015 State Representative Philip Miller told the people of Chester, Essex, Deep River, and Haddam that a budget was approved by the State Legislature. He heaped self-praise on the virtues of 2015-’16 budget, rationalized its supposed benefits, and admonished us for questioning the wisdom underlying this fine legislation. The budget was balanced and would drive economic growth for the 36th District and the State of Connecticut.
The current year’s deficit ballooned to more than $250 million; the 2016-’17 budget was reduced $930 million because of overspending and unrealistic revenue projections. Did not Representative Miller tell us, with great fanfare, the state’s budget was balanced and our long-term needs addressed? He told us there was no need to worry, the record tax increases would solve our economic and budgetary problems. Anyone stating otherwise was just posturing.
As of my writing this letter, the current year’s deficit remains unresolved and the 2016-’17 budget did irreparable damage to individuals through the loss of their jobs, curtailed services to those most in need, and threw municipal budgets into turmoil. Representative Miller supports budgets reliant on revenue from people smoking, drinking, and gambling at ever-increasing levels while further reducing peoples’ eligibility for local property tax credits.
How did Representative Miller get it so wrong again?
It is time we elected an individual, Bob Siegrist, to Hartford who will vote of our district’s interests and not simply follow the marching orders of the Governor and House Democratic Leadership. Bob is an independent voice who will vigorously represent the 36th House District. He has the courage to address the systemic problems that plague our state.
This November, I encourage your readers to join the movement to bring fresh voices to Hartford and elect Bob Siegrist as our state representative for the 36th District.
Vincent A. Pacileo, III
Ivoryton