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Message of Fiscal Restraint

Many of our neighbors and local businesses are experiencing financial hardship brought on by the pandemic and resulting recession. The upcoming election will be critical in shaping the direction our state will go, either easing our economic burden, or making it worse. Our representatives will therefore need to possess sound, common-sense judgment.

Next year is a budget-writing year at the State Capital. The state budget is projected to be in deficit by $2.1 billion and there is already discussion of raising taxes. We have two options for who we send to represent us, in this year’s election: Those who will fall in line and vote for the usual tax and spend policies, and those who won’t.

Our current millionaire state senator, Norman Needleman, has demonstrated a propensity to freely spend other people’s money. During this time of fiscal uncertainty, he loudly and proudly advocated for pay raises for state legislative representatives. He also sought and received taxpayer funds, provided through the Paycheck Protection Program, not to protect jobs, but to provide pay raises for his employees. Likely his loans will be forgiven.

At a time when our state is facing large projected budget deficits and has found it necessary to tap into our rainy-day fund, our district and our state deserve and need better judgment from our representatives.

I believe both State Representative Devin Carney (R-23) and State Senate candidate Pastor Brendon Saunders will fight against additional tax increases and will support a fiscally prudent, sustainable, and affordable state budget. Both gentlemen recognize that Connecticut, particularly the shore area, is an expensive place to live, work, or retire to. I believe they will bring our message of fiscal restraint to Hartford, and advocate for us non-millionaires, loudly and clearly.

Jack Horne

Westbrook