HARTFORD (February 8, 2017): As Governor Malloy prepares for this year’s budget address, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) was pleased to hear that among other things, he plans to focus on making significant cuts and reduce the insurance premium tax. His warning to lawmakers that the time for change is upon us is certainly the right tone to set, especially considering that small business owners have been doing more with less for years.
“Small business owners have been making sacrifices in order to remain operational in Connecticut for years, and we are certainly pleased to hear Governor Malloy’s admission that the time has come to radically improve the state funding system instead of simply increasing taxes. It will now be incumbent upon legislators to heed his warning and avoid the commonplace practice of broadening taxes in hopes of acquiring additional revenue,” according to Andrew Markowski, NFIB Connecticut State Director. “Today we expect to hear more details on his approach to improving our budget situation without raising taxes. The reality is that strengthening our economy begins when others comprehend the need to throw out the old way of doing things and live within the new reality that small business owners accepted a long time ago.”
Malloy is poised to deliver the 2017 budget address this afternoon. During his State of the State last month, the Governor highlighted the need to make Connecticut’s state government leaner and more efficient, something the small business community enthusiastically supports. Improving the overall structure and expenditures of state government goes a long way in maintaining a stable economy and empowering the small business community.
“We understand that today’s proposals will be complex and call for changes up and down government infrastructure including municipal mandates that our members support. We certainly applaud Governor Malloy for his approach, and we encourage everyone touched by today’s proposals to consider them carefully,” continued Markowski. “A strong and stable economy in Connecticut will only be viable if everyone involved is willing to listen with an open mind and make the changes necessary to ensure our fiscal sustainability.”
