REP. CHAPIN VOTES IN FAVOR OF THIRD DEFICIT REDUCTION PACKAGE

Following subsequent approval by the State Senate, it now goes to Governor M. Jodi Rell for final approval.

Rep. Chapin joined with House Republican legislators to defeat a proposed cut of special education funding for New Milford, as well as funding for local bridge repair and replacement, that were originally included in the package. He said that the House of Representatives came together in a bipartisan manner to craft the bill that was approved.

“Early versions of the legislation included provisions that would have balanced the state’s budget on the backs of New Milford taxpayers,” said Rep. Chapin. “By working together, we were able to eliminate such harmful provisions and address the state’s current deficit without raising taxes.”

Measures included in the package include:

• $168 million in savings that Republicans proposed in their own deficit mitigation proposal;
• No cuts in state aid to cities and towns;
• No tax increases;
• Limited use of the state’s rainy day fund;

A change in prescription drug coverage that will save 30,000 seniors an average of $1,200 a year on prescription drug costs, while saving the state money. It would allow recipients of ConnPACE (Connecticut Prescription Assistance to the Elderly) to access federal Medicare Part D prescription benefits.