As Vice Chair of the Finance Revenue and Bonding Committee, Chris worked to reform Connecticut’s unfair property tax system remains a top priority not to mention a difficult and complex challenge. To that end, he worked to increase state aid to Norwalk in order to help keep property taxes down while maintaining local services, and continued to press for real reform to the property tax system. Chris also pushed for a more fair method to reform the revaluations that increase homeowners’ taxes. Additionally he advocated to create regional incentives that would encourage cities and towns to save taxpayer money and be more efficient by working together – particularly in the area of health care. Last year Chris supported a sweeping reform plan that would have provided direct relief for taxpayers, including $1000 in property tax relief and a cut in income taxes for 95% of income tax payers for the people of Norwalk.
Reducing the pain at the pump has been an ongoing effort in the legislature. Gas prices are soaring, and to remedy this Chris co-sponsored legislation (PA08-2) which will allow gas stations to offer discounted gas to customers who pay in cash – discounts that could save 10 to 12 cents per gallon. This legislation also cancels the 1/2% increase to the gross receipts tax paid by oil companies that was scheduled to take effect July 1st receipts Along with a handful of other legislators, Chris also stood up to Big Oil by pushing for end to zone pricing which artificially raises gas prices here in Fairfield County.
Additionally, to help people with rising heating oil costs, the above legislation also approves the immediate release of $2.5 million from the Oil Conservation Fund, which can be used for the purchase of new, energy efficient boilers.
Our states electric deregulation system is broken. This has meant higher energy costs and is among the main reasons that the state of Connecticut along with Rhode Island, New York and Massachusetts, is among the most expensive states to do business according to The Milken Institute’s Cost of doing business index. To keep energy costs down for homeowners and businesses, we need to reform our states broken and ineffectual deregulation system that continues to drive up electric rates.
Additionally, to help people with rising heating oil costs, the above legislation also approves the immediate release of $2.5 million from the Oil Conservation Fund, which can be used for the purchase of new, energy efficient boilers.
Our states electric deregulation system is broken. This has meant higher energy costs and is among the main reasons that the state of Connecticut along with Rhode Island, New York and Massachusetts, is among the most expensive states to do business according to The Milken Institute’s Cost of doing business index. To keep energy costs down for homeowners and businesses, we need to reform our states broken and ineffectual deregulation system that continues to drive up electric rates.
Families and seniors should get the quality affordable health care they need. The idea of the family doctor should not be relegated to history. This is why Chris co-authored the Health Care Partnership Act, which would have increased access to quality health care while, at the same time, reduce the property tax burden shared by Connecticut citizens. This legislation would save taxpayer money by allowing cities and towns to use the state health plan for their employees. The legislation would have also allowed non-profit organizations and small businesses to get health coverage through the state health pool. The purchasing power of the state would have pushed down premiums. While the Governor vetoed this legislation, it is likely that legislation like the Health Care Partnership Act will be considered by the legislature again.
Chris helped to secure historic increases in state education funding (ECS) — an additional 1 Million Dollars for Norwalk — and he was able to make sure the Teacher Retirement Fund, after too many years, was at last, fully funded.
This past session Chris introduced legislation to expand the tax deduction for contributions to the states 529 CHET plan to include contributions to any federally qualified college savings program. Due to our state’s budget crunch we had to put this initiative on hold but Chris is determined to bring it back next year.
This past session Chris introduced legislation to expand the tax deduction for contributions to the states 529 CHET plan to include contributions to any federally qualified college savings program. Due to our state’s budget crunch we had to put this initiative on hold but Chris is determined to bring it back next year.
The new train cars that Chris voted to get for Metro North are at last due to arrive towards the end of 2009. Additionally, Chris strongly believes that the Norwalk/Danbury line must be fully electrified so that it can deliver the level of service that both businesses and customers demand. It’s been dormant for too long.
In the wake of the Cheshire murders, Chris worked tirelessly to double and triple sentences for violent repeat offenders, give the people on the front lines the resources they said they needed to do their job, and passed tougher criminal justice laws.
Chris also supported and passed the Lost & Stolen Firearms Bill to stop illegal gun traffickers.
Chris also supported and passed the Lost & Stolen Firearms Bill to stop illegal gun traffickers.
With the mortgage crisis sweeping the country and harming the economy, strong action was needed to protect homeowners in Connecticut. That is why Chris voted to approve PA08-176. This legislation establishes a $140 million multi-tiered mortgage assistance program to help homeowners weather the crisis. These programs, under the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA), come at no cost to taxpayers. Homeowners who might need assistance can contact CHFA (at 721-9501 or www.chfa.org) to see if they are eligible for any these programs.
