Kevin Brown

My colleagues and I are working diligently to craft a state budget during a time of deep uncertainty in our country.  The latest budget plan includes investments in local schools, higher education, libraries, and more. As the Vice Chair of the Education Committee, I’m proud that our state is committed to education at every level, from early learning to lifelong learning, and to building a brighter, more equitable future for everyone.
 
We’re also trying to support middle class families by endorsing a new $150-per-child for up to 3 kids income tax credit ($450 maximum per household), for single parents earning up to $100,000 per year and couples earning up to $200,000. 
 
Additionally, there is a proposal to place a temporary 1.75% surcharge on the capital gains earnings of individuals whose overall income exceeds $1 million and on couples topping $2 million. The surcharge would include a one-time exception for the sale of residential and business property. 
 
Moving to our outrageous utility bills, the Finance Committee advanced a borrowing plan that would remove the public benefits charge for three years, cutting bills by an average of 20%. 
 
On the Appropriations side, the Democrats' budget varies from Governor Lamont's in several respects, including: 

• More funding for higher education, scholarships, and student loan forgiveness
• More for special education funding for K-12 schools
• Maintaining $500,000 funding in both FY 26 and FY 27 for early literacy programs via the state library

The Appropriations Committee and the governor's budgets will now form the basis for budget negotiations between the Executive and Legislative branches over the next six weeks before the General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn for the year on Wednesday, June 4th. I look forward to working collaboratively as your state representative to ensure we pass a budget that reflects our shared values – investing in education, supporting working families, and creating opportunity for every community across the state.