CtTaxed.com

3% Is Not 2.5%

I’m not sure whether to call Rell’s 3% annual spending cap proposal a smoke screen, a diversion or a very cynical ploy to confuse. From what I’ve seen recently I am less and less impressed with the Rell, more cynical and more inclined to believe there is little substance here.

Rell’s proposal, which is probably in response to all the buzz about Prop 2.5, is her own version of capped spending.

Rell’s proposal would limit local property tax increases to 3 percent annually - except in extraordinary circumstances.

Prop 2.5 consists of an overall levy ceiling set at 2. 5% of the value of a municipality’s taxable property (Grand List) AND limits any increase to 2.5% a year. Greater increases may be allowed by the voters to pay for large programs such as schools.  The linkage to the Grand List is the key feature of Prop 25 and the major lacking element in Rell’s proposal.

The two proposals are not the same, Rell’s would allow a 3% increase in taxation every year even if real property values declined. Rell’s plan is NOT tied to the Grand List. Whereas Prop 2.5 would only allow increase in taxation if the real property values increased.

Massachusetts has a Prop 2.5, and has had it for over 27 years. Don’t you just gag at using Massachusetts as an example worth following???? When first passed MA had the highest property taxes, now they are seventh, and we in Connecticut are #2 with New Jersey at #1. However NJ is taking steps to give up their top spot to us in Connecticut. Joy.

3% is not 2.5%.

The Democrats are less than amused also, but for different reasons. From the Courant.com

DeStefano said New Haven would get slammed.

“With nearly half of our grand list tax-exempt, New Haven will have virtually no ability to raise revenue, devastating our ability to provide education and public safety services,” he said. “Families and children will be gravely harmed.”

It is the same old saw, “virtually no ability to raise revenue….devastating…..children will be gravely harmed.”

And of course Fire Houses will have to be shut! Why is it always the Fire Houses??? Why do they keep picking on the Fire Houses? FEAR dear friend, it is all about FEAR.

You are going to burn if you don’t pay more taxes! Repent Sinner!

And in other news, Keith Richards snorted dear old dad,

Anna Nicole is still dead,

Howard K Stern is still sleazy

and Toby, a 2-year-old golden retriever, saw his owner choking on a piece of fruit and began jumping up and down on the woman’s chest. The dog’s owner believes the dog was trying to perform the Heimlich maneuver and saved her life.

Prompting this writer to wonder if Toby was Anna Nicole’s dog would he have saved Anna Nicole’s life and bit Howard in the ass?

Leaving poor Keith still looking like he’s been dead for the last 25 years anyhow.

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