2021 State Budget: Strong On Tax Relief

2021 State Budget
September 20, 2021
My fellow House Democrats and I had one priority when negotiating the budget during the 2021 legislative session: provide as much financial help to as many people as possible. I believe we have accomplished just that with this budget, particularly for Wallingford residents.
 
This is timely legislation as Connecticut recovers from the pandemic. The budget provides relief for businesses and hard-working families while keeping Connecticut fiscally sound.
Tax Relief
Relief for Connecticut residents: People and families in Connecticut work hard every day to put food on the table, build their savings, and make a better life for themselves. My colleagues and I knew that working families deserved our support. Our budget reflects this by increasing the state’s earned income tax credit to 30.5% of the federal credit, providing thousands of families across Connecticut additional money in their pockets.

Relief for restaurant industry: Like many businesses, Connecticut restaurants have faced many hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That is why it was vital that we support them with targeted tax relief. Our budget allows restaurants and bars to keep 13.6% of the 7.35% sales tax they collect on sales of meals and beverages.

Relief for the entertainment industry: Similar to restaurants, popular entertainment venues like Toyota Oakdale Theatre and amusement parks were unable to operate as they normally would. As life continues to get back to normal, we felt it was important to help entertainment venues get back on their feet, which is why we eliminated the admissions tax for these businesses.

No Tax Increases
I heard you loud and clear and rejected proposed tax increases on your property taxes, on the gas you need to get to work or drop your children off at school, and on certain homes.

State Funding for Wallingford
Our town saw a significant increase in state funding in this budget, which helps keep taxes down while also ensuring that your access to critical town services is maintained. See the graphic below:

(Source: Connecticut Mirror)
I am proud of the hard work we put in to create a balanced budget that keeps our state and town moving forward with economic support for working- and middle-class families.