Solve the Budget Crisis - Tax the Rich!

As the state budget fight continues, 60 union, community, clergy and disability organizations representing thousands of Connecticut residents signed a letter to members of the General Assembly calling for an increase in taxes on the wealthiest residents in order to stop cuts to vital services. 

Several wealthy Connecticut residents have also issued a call for increased taxes on themselves.

The letter, delivered by All Hands on Deck, DUE Justice Coalition and the Cross Disability Life Span Coalition emphasized, "Connecticut's wealthy individuals have more favorable taxation here than in neighboring states. Many well-off Connecticut residents now recognize that a fair budget, which preserves essential services, means taxing them a little more." 

 

The letter concludes, "We urge you to take these recommendations to heart, and ensure that vital human services and  Connecticut's vibrant educational and social services infrastructure are sustained." 

Following is a letter to the editor by Tom Connolly as published in the Hartford Courant:

"The Connecticut Republican party is trying to lay the entire blame for our serious budget crisis at the feet of the Democrats. Whatever they do, their major mantra is “protect the rich.” If it happens to be at the expense of the middle class and the poor, so be it.

"Republicans now hold a tie in the Senate — 18 Republicans and 18 Democrats — and share the responsibility for coming up with a fair budget. Keep a close eye on what they do when revenue options are proposed, especially those taxing the rich or large corporations.
"The options to resolve the budget are clear, if you do not want to hurt the middle class and the poor. Here are several:

"Increase the income tax rate on the portion of incomes over $250,000 per year.

"Review and end outdated corporate subsidies and tax exemptions.

"Enact a low-wage employers fee, so that big companies like Walmart that pay less than $15 and hour would reimburse the state for the cost of providing services to their workers.

"Let’s make Connecticut great again and tax the few who can afford it to benefit the many who cannot."