HARTFORD, CT – Republican gubernatorial candidate Sen. Ryan Fazio, R-Greenwich, and Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont laid out their competing priorities for improving affordability and opportunity in Connecticut, if elected.
The two spoke separately with Chris DiPentima, president and CEO of the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA) at the organization’s annual Connecticut Economy Conference at the Marriott Hotel in Hartford this week.
Fazio took to the stage first. He described Connecticut as having all the fundamental attributes to succeed, but said the people he’s talked to on the campaign trail have been pessimistic.
“People are struggling to pay their bills,” he said. “I know that this state and this state economy can grow and succeed like no other place, but it’s going to take a change in direction and policy from the top in order to accomplish that.”
The senator’s plan to improve affordability centers on tax relief. He said his first priority would be passing the biggest middle class tax cut in state history, equaling approximately $2,000 for a family earning $100,000. He also proposed capping property taxes.
Fazio said he would pay for the tax cut by limiting growth in government spending to a level comparable to the rate of inflation and through efficiencies in government such as those outlined in a 2021 report prepared for the state.
On energy costs, Fazio said his administration would seek to cut electricity bills by 20% by eliminating the public benefits charge and other taxes.
He also discussed the rising cost of healthcare, supporting the idea of association healthcare plans where small businesses can pool together to buy large-group insurance. Fazio said there is bipartisan support for the association plans, but blamed the governor for his lack of leadership in getting a bill passed.
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