News from State Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney

August 2011

Capitol address
Legislative Office Building
Room 3300
Hartford, CT 06106-1591

On the Web
www.SenatorLooney.cga.ct.gov

Phone
Capitol: 860-240-8600
Toll-free: 1-800-842-1420

State Employee Unions Accept $1.6 Billion Concession Package

Connecticut’s budget crisis is finally over. Just days ago thousands of state union workers approved the negotiated concession package that will save taxpayers $1.6 billion over two years, and billions more over the next decade.

Connecticut families—many of whom are struggling to make ends meet—are already doing their part to close the deficit. The acceptance of concessions—including a pay freeze and increased co-pays for health care and pension benefits—is an acknowledgment by state employees that these difficult economic times call for shared sacrifice.

The approval of the concessions package means that the last piece of Connecticut’s budget puzzle is in place. However, without sustained job growth, the balanced budget could be short-lived. That’s why it’s critical that the General Assembly and Governor continue to work together on legislation that will strengthen our economy and help create high-quality jobs for Connecticut families.

For more details, read what what Governor Malloy had to say about the agreement.

Save Money When You Shop, Tax Free Week Starts on Sunday!

Connecticut’s sales tax holiday is August 21-27, 2011. During the week, the following items will not be subject to state sales tax:

Clothing under $300 per item
Shoes under $300 per item

For more information, visit the Department of Revenue Services Web site.

Helping Consumers and Businesses Save Money on Electric Bills

Chances are you’ve been spending more money than you’d prefer on running air conditioners and fans this summer. I understand electric costs can be a burden, that’s why I helped to lead passage of energy reform legislation that will lower costs—and help create jobs.

I joined Senator Toni Harp; Rep. Lonnie Reed (D-Branford), Vice Chair of the General Assembly’s Energy Committee; Rep. Pat Dillon (D-New Haven), and representatives from C. Cowles & Company, the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce and the New Haven Manufacturers Association at a news conference recently to detail the benefits of the new legislation.

In summary, we prevented a 5-percent electric bill hike from taking place and then approved a sweeping energy reform bill. For more information on the bill’s many provisions, click here. Specific highlights for businesses include:

Allows for energy to be purchased through a variety of ways to help lower rates.
Creates programs to incentivize energy efficient upgrades and clean energy installations, such as solar panels and fuel cells, in homes and businesses.
Establishes an office of energy efficient businesses to provide a single point of contact for businesses interested in energy efficient products or renewable energy.