Community Corner

Yaccarino Votes "No" on State Budget

State Representative David Yaccarino was one of 67 legislators in the house to oppose the state budget.

David Yaccarino (R-87) voted yesterday in opposition to the proposed state budget sent today to Governor Malloy for approval.

Many of Yaccarino's criticisms pertained to the budget's substantial increases in taxes.

Explaining his rationale, Yaccarino said: "“Connecticut families are struggling and can’t afford new and higher taxes. I couldn’t in clear conscience vote against the hard-working people of North Haven and support these massive increases.”

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Yaccarino has reached out to North Haven residents over the past several months to voice their opinions on the state's finances, first in a budget workshop held last month with State Senator Fasano, and last week during the legislator's office hours.

The takeaway, according to Yaccarino, was overwhelming public disapproval of a tax hike.

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Yaccarino, who runs DJ's Sports Collectibles and Comics on Washington Avenue, says he can sympathize with citizens skeptical of the state's fiscal policies.

"As a small business owner I can’t call my ledger balanced unless the numbers match up,” Yaccarino explained.  “If I don’t take in more than I spend I go out of business, but the budget presented today is already out of balance to the tune of $2 billion and it hasn’t even been implemented yet.  The people of the state can’t afford a government that considers a budget balanced when it’s actually a work in progress.”

The $40.1 billion biennium budget passed the House by an 83 to 67 vote.


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