New estimates put Conn. surplus at $85 million
By ConnPolitics.tv Editor on Aug 13, 2008 | In News, Gov. Jodi Rell, State Budget | 52 feedbacks »
Hartford (AP/WTNH) – The state legislature’s budget office says the surplus for the fiscal year that ended June 30 is now $85 million. That’s $63 million higher than the governor’s estimate.
Senate President Donald Williams Jr. says he wants the extra money to be set aside in an emergency account to help struggling families cover home heating costs.
Democratic legislative leaders and Gov. M. Jodi Rell have already agreed to use $22 million of the surplus to help low- and moderate-income families with high home heating prices this winter, but plans are not yet finalized. Williams says he also wants to increase help for schools and nonprofit agencies.
A special legislative session is scheduled for Aug. 22 to deal with heating issues.
In a statement released Wednesday afternoon, Gov. Rell said, “As I made clear in calling for the special session, the budget surplus - regardless of the amount - should be used solely for home heating assistance for our families this winter.”
“Action before September 1 is critically important because we cannot allow the budget surplus to be rolled into the Rainy Day Fund,” the governor said.
52 comments
Comment from: Hulk [Visitor] 
Now what to do with the money......Give it to me I owe $22,000 for college.
08/13/08 @ 14:18
Senate President Donald Williams Jr sounds just like my wife - quick, lets spend the money. Why not rebate it back to us taxpayers instead, Mr. Williams. What is your I.Q.?
08/13/08 @ 14:22
Comment from: Jack [Visitor]
Let's see, if there is a surplus, that means we've been taxed too much. So let's either
A. Give it back to the taxpayers in the form of a rebate or lower income tax rate
B. Cut out the gas tax
But my guess is either:
C. The state will spend it on more worthless programs or
D. They'll recheck the numbers and discover there actually is a budget deficit.
08/13/08 @ 14:26
Comment from: Mike [Visitor]
Lets see how congrss and the Rell all get raises now.
They need to start cutting taxes, we're way over taxed in this state, cut the gas tax or something. CT needs to stop catering to the rich and giving the poor everything. Help the middle class folks that actually pay for everything.
They need to start cutting taxes, we're way over taxed in this state, cut the gas tax or something. CT needs to stop catering to the rich and giving the poor everything. Help the middle class folks that actually pay for everything.
08/13/08 @ 14:49
Comment from: CTRedSoxFan [Visitor]
GIVE IT BACK TO ME...
I have an oil bill staring me in the face for the winter, unless you can hurry the Global warming up!
I have an oil bill staring me in the face for the winter, unless you can hurry the Global warming up!
08/13/08 @ 15:30
Comment from: More Liberal Bulls**t [Visitor]
First we need the morons to go back to Hartford and move the money for energy.
And with clueless Democrats in charge and wanting to go to Denver to the Love Fest It looks like the taxpayers get left holding the bag yet again.
Do Nothing Democrats STRIKE AGAIN!!!!
08/13/08 @ 15:37
Comment from: JAN [Visitor]
CONNECTICUT TAX PAYERS SHOULD
RECEIVE A TAX REBATE. THEN MAYBE
CONSIDER LOWERING THE TAXES, PERHAPS OUR TAXES ARE TOO HIGH,
IF HE CONTINUE TO HAVE A SURPLUS.
RECEIVE A TAX REBATE. THEN MAYBE
CONSIDER LOWERING THE TAXES, PERHAPS OUR TAXES ARE TOO HIGH,
IF HE CONTINUE TO HAVE A SURPLUS.
08/13/08 @ 15:48
Comment from: JAN [Visitor]
GREAT COMMENT MIKE.....MAYBE
RELL WILL TAKE YOUR COMMENT
INTO CONSIDERATION, YOU WERE
RIGHT TO THE POINT. CONNECTICUT
TAX PAYERS NEED SOME HELP.
THE POLITICIANS SEEM TO FORGET
ABOUTS THE VOTERS, ONCE THEY ARE
IN OFFICE. I HAVE NEVER SEEN SO
MANY EXCUSES ABOUT HELPING THE
MIDDLE CLASS.
RELL WILL TAKE YOUR COMMENT
INTO CONSIDERATION, YOU WERE
RIGHT TO THE POINT. CONNECTICUT
TAX PAYERS NEED SOME HELP.
THE POLITICIANS SEEM TO FORGET
ABOUTS THE VOTERS, ONCE THEY ARE
IN OFFICE. I HAVE NEVER SEEN SO
MANY EXCUSES ABOUT HELPING THE
MIDDLE CLASS.
08/13/08 @ 15:59
Comment from: Fred [Visitor]
If the price of heating stays high, many of the state's "poor" will be living better than the working class because aid will help them pay to heat while they eat. The working class which will have to pay for the poor to heat & eat BEFORE theY (working class) can bring home their earned money and decide whether to heat OR eat
08/13/08 @ 16:11
Comment from: Bones [Visitor]
With all the waste they still have money left. Imagine if they actually tried to save money.
08/13/08 @ 16:50
Comment from: Independent Observer [Visitor]
This makes me wonder if anyone really knows how much money the state has. I wonder who is watching the banks and who is the auditor?
If we really have the money why not give it back to the citizens who paid too much and decrease the tax burden? I think that would be better than the State determining what is best.
If we really have the money why not give it back to the citizens who paid too much and decrease the tax burden? I think that would be better than the State determining what is best.
08/13/08 @ 17:32
Comment from: Jan M [Visitor]
From a huge surplus to news of a huge deficit and now they have $85M left over. Are there any accountants in the capital or just lawyers and career politicians? Spend the money on the people who can't pay for gas and fuel. And if they don't want to do that then give it back in the form of rebate checks as they charged us to much. And while there at it lower the tax rate for the future budgets.
08/13/08 @ 18:13
Comment from: MotherHenDragon [Visitor]
Cool-we have a surplus.... now, about that gas tax increase that we put off ...... lets not just put it off - lets repeal the whole thing, shall we?
As for the rest....... I agree with everyone else - help for the middle class to keep their homes heated this winter - that same middle class who foot the bills for everyone else!
And for those who are wondering how we go from surplus to deficit to surplus.......using an abacus to do the budgeting calculations just MIGHT have something to do with this........or maybe they use a comptometer now?
As for the rest....... I agree with everyone else - help for the middle class to keep their homes heated this winter - that same middle class who foot the bills for everyone else!
And for those who are wondering how we go from surplus to deficit to surplus.......using an abacus to do the budgeting calculations just MIGHT have something to do with this........or maybe they use a comptometer now?
08/13/08 @ 19:13
Comment from: kevin [Visitor]
give it back to the taxpayer who is sick and tired of footing the bill for low income failures in life. it is our money...give it back
08/13/08 @ 19:21
Comment from: Jay [Visitor]
I believe Dave Chappelle captured this type of opportunity best on his show, which featured a skit that covered the topic "What if the US Government made slavery restitution payments?". This is exactly how the democratic reps will act with this new found money. It will be gone and spent prior to the first snowfall.
08/13/08 @ 20:30
Comment from: Thank you and goodnight [Visitor]
from a deficit to a surplus, to a bigger surplus?
Can anyone in Hartford actually count numbers correctly?
Or is it "1.....2.....5......&......-42......:/....2"?
Idiots.
Can anyone in Hartford actually count numbers correctly?
Or is it "1.....2.....5......&......-42......:/....2"?
Idiots.
08/13/08 @ 20:34
Comment from: Russ [Visitor]
What a joke. Why am I working to feed and heat the poor people in CT? That is my tax money and I should get back what I overpaid. Is it my fault I went to college, got a degree, got a job, paid off my student loans, saved my money, bought a house and remained gainfully employed for the last 28 years? Ever wonder why we have so many people on state assistance in CT? Perhaps we make it too easy to get assistance and we provide too much assistance? Duh!!!
08/13/08 @ 20:36
Comment from: LK [Visitor]
There should be consideration for a state employee buyout. There are many overpaid slobs working for the state, who do very little. Get rid of them!!! Management types, whether it be for DOT, DCF, colleges etc. Secondly, privatize the DMV. That's an agency that is a pathetic joke. They have people who stand around watching the people in the long lines, and they do NOTHING. At least they should pass out some popcorn. The commissioner has a law background. Did he get that job because he was a state rep? Time to add extra money to the equation, by privatizing that agency. They did it for OTB 15 years ago, so it can be done. Money should be returned to the middle class. Some people who shall remain nameless, somehow forgot what it means when we call this great country of ours---THE HOME OF THE BRAVE, AND THE LAND OF THE FREE. For many, they interpret it as FREE handouts on an ongoing basis. The taxpayers say, GET A JOB and most of all, GET A REAL LIFE......
08/13/08 @ 21:22
Comment from: murray [Visitor]
Well, the state of CT has done it....taxed me to death. My response is that I now have a for sale sign on my front lawn. Sick of my hard earned money going to feed, educate, give heating assistance to and pay for medical care for the poor. Growing up I was taught to get good grades, go to college, get a good job and work hard. Didn't know that I was working to help support a welfare family. Can't wait to sell my house so that I can get out of this state.
08/13/08 @ 21:52
Comment from: Johnny G [Visitor]
Every taxpayer and business owner should be outraged at the amount of this surplus. What does this surplus tell you? It should tell everyone that we're OVERTAXED!!! Refund some of that $85 million back to every taxpayer in this state, individual and employer OR lower the damn taxes! A person doesn't need a PhD to figure that out! Forget giving it to the school system. Extra $$$ and new schools do not make a student smarter. Wake up people!!! You should all be OUTRAGED!!! The surplus is YOUR money. Don't you want that surplus $$$ back in your wallet or do you want the state to keep it?
08/13/08 @ 21:54
Comment from: upset [Visitor]
no they will implement the gas tax raise so thay have lots of money.. what else is new we will never see it they just take from us right Jodi you know,,TAX ME TO DEATH STATE
08/13/08 @ 21:58
Comment from: Bernadette [Visitor]
How about a tax rebate Jodi?????????? We need a break from being taxed to death!!!
08/13/08 @ 22:12
Comment from: Bob [Visitor]
When they come up short they tax the people more. When the have a surplus they tax the people more.
Hay here is a radical Idea, look at our State Income Tax form they have our address on them and GIVE THE MONEY BACK TO US.
Hay here is a radical Idea, look at our State Income Tax form they have our address on them and GIVE THE MONEY BACK TO US.
08/13/08 @ 22:30
Comment from: Catherine [Visitor]
Me, my 10 year old and 6 year old FROZE last year until I started paying $425 every TWO weeks for oil! Why? I DIDN'T QUALIFY FOR HOME HEATING ASSISTANCE! I'm just over the income limit! I'm not on any other state program therefore, I can freeze! If I weren't working or had more children they'd DEFINITELY give it to me though! Oh and guess what...I now live in one of those AMAZING HOMES at a cheap foreclosed price now that you advertise...thanks to the fact that I make JUST OVER the income guideline for any help from the STATE! So you know what??? Do something that's going to give EVERYONE in the state something...because obviously me and 3/4 of the rest of the state WON'T!!!
08/14/08 @ 06:28
Comment from: More Liberal Bulls**t [Visitor]
Blame The Democratic Legislative Leadership for the lack of movement on this issue.
Amann doesnt care he's retiring and Williams is too focused on Obama and the Denver Love Fest.
It is more of the same while 98% of Connecticut will have to struggle to survive this winter.
Call House and Senate Dems and demand they get their butts there for the August 22nd session.
Donny can kiss Denver goodbye he is paid by us taxpayers. If he and Bozo Amann decide to pass and use the excuse they cant get enough of their caucus to show up Then we will vote them out in November.
It is up to the people to hold these guys accountable so lets do it !! I know The GOP will show up.
Time for CT DemocRATS to step to the plate and do the right thing for all of us.
08/14/08 @ 06:43
Comment from: Patricia [Visitor]
On the money surplus....return the money to the taxpayers and let each of us determine how to use it to boost our individual budgets.Taxes in CT are so much higher than other states, so give the money back to the taxpayers. I say do NOT give the excess to the school systems.
It would seem to me that Governor Rell and legislators would consider that maybe we are paying TOO MUCH in taxes if they find an 85 Million dollar surplus........SO why not decrease property taxes.
It would seem to me that Governor Rell and legislators would consider that maybe we are paying TOO MUCH in taxes if they find an 85 Million dollar surplus........SO why not decrease property taxes.
08/14/08 @ 06:44
Comment from: Poor In CT aka Middle Class [Visitor]
Why not lower the gas prices so I don't have to piece-buy my groceries
08/14/08 @ 06:54
Comment from: Tricia [Visitor]
GIVE BACK THE MONEY TO THE TAXPAYERS.
Poor and those unemployed or underemployed have needs BUT SO DO THOSE WHO WORK AND PAY TAXES.
If Gov Rell sets the money aside for fuel assistance, I'll never get any help because I work and while I make a fair salary, I have to budget and skimp to have enough to pay my taxes and heating and other bills. I like many middle class, don't take big vacations, or eat out and buy expensive clothes...I drive a 6 year old car and recycle cans and take my lunch to work and all the other things that people are doing to save money.
I am not a mean person and I care about others, but I have to first care about my own wellbeing because I don't fall in that category where I can go to some agency and have them give me a handout.
GIVE me back the excess that I paid and let me have the peace of mind to know that I will have a little extra money to help with my heating and other bills this winter.
Poor and those unemployed or underemployed have needs BUT SO DO THOSE WHO WORK AND PAY TAXES.
If Gov Rell sets the money aside for fuel assistance, I'll never get any help because I work and while I make a fair salary, I have to budget and skimp to have enough to pay my taxes and heating and other bills. I like many middle class, don't take big vacations, or eat out and buy expensive clothes...I drive a 6 year old car and recycle cans and take my lunch to work and all the other things that people are doing to save money.
I am not a mean person and I care about others, but I have to first care about my own wellbeing because I don't fall in that category where I can go to some agency and have them give me a handout.
GIVE me back the excess that I paid and let me have the peace of mind to know that I will have a little extra money to help with my heating and other bills this winter.
08/14/08 @ 07:03
Comment from: Gimme a Break...... [Visitor]
So...if I understand what's been on the news...THE HARDWORKING TAXPAYERS WHO HAVE BEEN OVER TAXED are NOT going to be the ones to reap any of the rewards here...WE ARE NOW GOING TO KEEP OVER PAYING TAXES to once again take care of those WHO DID NOT CONTRIBUTE!
Why not divide the total surplus amount by those WHO PUT THAT MONEY THERE and give us a REBATE to use at our discretion?
Once again those who support themselves and struggle from paycheck to paycheck are not even a thought in anyone's mind in Hartford!!
Why not divide the total surplus amount by those WHO PUT THAT MONEY THERE and give us a REBATE to use at our discretion?
Once again those who support themselves and struggle from paycheck to paycheck are not even a thought in anyone's mind in Hartford!!
08/14/08 @ 07:09
Comment from: jeff [Visitor]
i'd like to see a refund...enough for a couple cord of wood...
08/14/08 @ 07:11
Comment from: CTRedSoxFan [Visitor]
I'm writing to the governor today and go on down from there. I'm demanding that I get my share paid back to ME so I can determine how to best spend it.
I don't feel like making any more charitable contributions by way of robbery to the poor looking for handouts in this state.
I'm facing an oil bill for the winter and its apparent that the congress doesn't care
I don't feel like making any more charitable contributions by way of robbery to the poor looking for handouts in this state.
I'm facing an oil bill for the winter and its apparent that the congress doesn't care
08/14/08 @ 07:11
Comment from: CTRedSoxFan [Visitor]
Here's a thought...why don't we all march into our HR offices today and change our CT Withholding statement. Why not make it so high that they take barely out and then they say we owe during next tax season-tell them to take it out of the surplus.
Oh if only we had the control
Oh if only we had the control
08/14/08 @ 07:15
Comment from: Disgusted [Visitor]
I remember many years ago, when the State Income Tax was first implemented, we were told that this would be a temporary fix and would be phased out within three years. Never happened. Even with the introduction of the State Lottery, our 6% sales tax, and the additional funds from the Mohegans and the Mashantuckets we still have a State Income Tax. The good news is we finally have a substantial surplus. The bad news is they don't want to return it to the overburdened citizens who paid the taxes. This money should be returned to us so that we can pay our own heating bills this winter.
08/14/08 @ 07:16
Comment from: DD [Visitor]
This means that we all over paid our taxes so to me it is very simple - GIVE US BACK OUR MONEY!
08/14/08 @ 07:36
Comment from: Steve Midlik [Visitor]
How about some money to clean up the sediment, trash and debris clogged, mosquito ridden, neglected, deadly dangerous, flood prone ROOSTER RIVER.
And the old deteriorated sewer line that leaks filth badly that runs thru it.
Because of neglect, illegal filling, and poor planning this waterway has become LETHAL to us and to local businesses.
I have been chasing my tail trying to get action since 1969!!!
And the old deteriorated sewer line that leaks filth badly that runs thru it.
Because of neglect, illegal filling, and poor planning this waterway has become LETHAL to us and to local businesses.
I have been chasing my tail trying to get action since 1969!!!
08/14/08 @ 07:51
Comment from: Margaret [Visitor]
I'm for the majority of the posts here. We, the middle class, who conserve, bring our own lunches, car pool in order to pay our bills, should receive the overpayments that WE made back. I'm tired of helping out others when we can use the help ourselves!
08/14/08 @ 08:07
Comment from: Gimme a Break...... [Visitor]
If this was a private company Blumenthal would be holding a press conference about over-charging the customers.
We're the customers and the company is our corrupt politicians!
Where's Bluementhal on this one?
We're the customers and the company is our corrupt politicians!
Where's Bluementhal on this one?
08/14/08 @ 08:29
Comment from: Joe [Visitor]
It's time to give the money back so we can pay our own heating bill.
08/14/08 @ 08:54
Comment from: Aggravated [Visitor]
CT taxpayers should all receive a tax rebate including college students who have jobs and pay taxes. My family is not considered low/moderate income but we work hard to make ends meet and also struggle to pay oil/gas bills. We are penalized for this. We deserve a break also!
08/14/08 @ 08:56
Comment from: CTRedSoxFan [Visitor]
ONLY the people who have PAID into the taxes should receive the $$ back. The poor get all the free programs as it is.
If they get this $$ too, it's like double taxation on us.
This is criminal
If they get this $$ too, it's like double taxation on us.
This is criminal
08/14/08 @ 09:39
Comment from: Tim [Visitor]
Part of the reason our taxes are so high is that the Feds take so much from CT (and other "Liberal" states that actually work) and transfer that money to poor conservative states.
How about the Feds letting me keep my money as I'm tired of paying welfare for poor southern and western conservatives who obviously can't/won't work!
How about the Feds letting me keep my money as I'm tired of paying welfare for poor southern and western conservatives who obviously can't/won't work!
08/14/08 @ 10:08
Comment from: Kevin [Visitor]
All of you people complaining on this board about high taxes and upset about taking care of the poor. Well suck it up. You voted for the Democrat majority in this state...now guess what...you are dealing with their agenda...remember that next time you vote...You think they care one bit about you? the hard working tax payer?...vote them out
08/14/08 @ 10:13
Comment from: tax payer [Visitor]
Put the money toward heating assitance????? With all the welfare fraud going on already. They already get assistance - heating, food stamps (most buy filet mignons and lobsters with them - I see it when I go shopping with my pile of coupons), insurances and they drive nice cars, take nice trips, have their nails and hair done every week. Some even have nice boats. Go out to dinner all the time. I do agree the elderly and handicap should get help, but not anyone under 65 who is perfectly healthy to get out their and earn a living. Get out and get a job, they are out there - LOOK! But then why work when everything is free. GIVE SOMETHING BACK TO THE WORKING PEOPLE who pay their taxes faithfully every week to both state and federal govt's- LIKE REBATES AND NOT $200, MORE LIKE $1000 PER INCOME TAX PAYING PERSON. We earned it and we paid it out.
08/14/08 @ 12:10
Comment from: Teri [Visitor]
You KNOW the money is not going to go to the middle class. I was laid off for 3 months due to lack of work and had to struggle and not pay my mortgage for those months. NOBODY helped me other than a pitinance for unemployment that I was still taxed on. How about us getting the cash back. ENOUGH for the schools and welfare people
08/14/08 @ 13:27
Comment from: state citizen [Visitor]
Our CT gov't is only making crime worse in this state. The high taxes we working class people pay out weekly is sad and there should be no one on state assistance except handicapped and elderly. We work and you guys get all the free perks. When you think of it you, the CT gov't officials get everything free just like the welfare people. Go figure. That speaks for itself = who is keeping this state going - the working middle class. We have to pay for everything ourselves and we pay our taxes. Need someone to come in and clean up this state. Where is Ella Grasso when you need her? In heaven looking down at us.
08/14/08 @ 15:43
Comment from: More Liberal Bulls**t [Visitor]
Give Money to people who work every day.
No Money to Undocumented people let them go back wherever they are from and none to welfare moms let the deadbeat fathers pay the bills.
Vote Republican Because the Democrats and Liberals dont care at all.
08/14/08 @ 16:33
Comment from: state citizen [Visitor]
I am a single mom of 2 and have been for 18 years. Worked full time and covered my own medical through my full time job @ my employers. So far my kids are drug free and we have a great relationship and they work all the time. They saved up enough money to buy their own diesel trucks when they turned 18. They are not new but it is what they wanted. Don't be lazy, stop living off the system. Have some dignity and pride.
08/14/08 @ 17:04
Comment from: Hosed by the system [Visitor]
Most of this crap is smoke & mirrors................
6 months from now there will be whining again.....on paper money is NEVER money in the bank...........
6 months from now there will be whining again.....on paper money is NEVER money in the bank...........
08/14/08 @ 17:55
Comment from: Gimme a Break...... [Visitor]
Easy come.....easy go! Now they are saying the amount is less then anticipated and do not know where it came from?
Lots of competent folks looking out for OUR BEST INTEREST????
I don't think so!
Lots of competent folks looking out for OUR BEST INTEREST????
I don't think so!
08/15/08 @ 05:12
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