CT Lawmakers Clash Over Tax Relief Plan

0:00It's March 31st. This is hard for news today. Local news powered by AI. Democrats and Republicans in Connecticut clashed at the state capital over tax relief plans for struggling families. The Finance Committee approved Senate Bill 1 on a bipartisan vote, bumping the max-property tax credit to $400 from $300. While keeping income-based eligibility, it also cuts taxes on clothes, school supplies, and groceries, promising $548 million in yearly relief. This comes as the state faces its first deficit in seven years, a projected $30 million shortfall in the general fund. Lawmakers aim to wrap this into a $28,700 million budget before the session ends on May 6th. Democrats like Senate leaders Martin Looney and Bob Duff praised the bill as real help for working folks, hitting essentials like back-to-school items. In elder care credits, they slam federal Republicans for favoring billionaires.

1:00Republicans push back hard, with House leader Vincent Candelora calling it pie in the sky and dead on arrival due to the high cost. They want the credit up to $650 and more income tax cuts for long-term growth, though some like Senator Ryan Fazio voted yes, said it's not enough. Talks will keep rolling as both sides negotiate what's affordable amid the tight budget, with Republicans vowing to fight for bigger breaks on. Property taxes and energy bills to ease the squeeze on families.