State Representative Brendan Sharkey (D-Hamden), House Chair of the Planning and Development Committee, hailed House passage of legislation he spearheaded to more efficiently deliver government services while saving taxpayers money. The legislation is a key first step to real property tax reform through regional cooperation incentives.
House Bill 6585, An Act Concerning Regionalism, includes a provision to return a portion of the sales tax to towns as an incentive for participating in regional initiatives. The state sales tax currently generates about 3.5 billion dollars annually. Beginning in 2011, the legislation would return a portion of the state sales tax revenue generated within participating regions.
“Everyone understands that in today’s economic climate, reducing the cost of government and making smart choices about development is the key to Connecticut’s economic future,” Rep. Sharkey, co-sponsor and driving force behind the legislation, stated. “This bipartisan package of legislation accomplishes both goals.”
In addition, towns who agree to participate in more efficient, streamlined government and education operations would be able to access federal economic development funds for the first time, and by sharing property tax revenues generated from large new developments. These new revenue streams would offer permanent property tax relief to participating towns.
“A key element to resolving our budget crisis is streamlining state government and promoting regional initiatives,” Speaker Christopher G. Donovan stated. “A critical component of property tax reform is moving beyond property taxes to fund town services. This legislation moves us in that direction.”
“Legislation creating and implementing smart growth initiatives are among the most important actions we will be taking this year,” Majority Leader Denise Merrill said. “Our future quality of life depends on harnessing sprawling development and to plan intelligently for the kind of Connecticut we leave to those who follow us.”
The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.
In addition to the regionalism initiative, the General Assembly has additional pending legislation to overhaul Connecticut’s long-range planning, better coordination of state programs for open space and brownfield remediation, and streamlining the approval process for new development proposals.
Categories: BRENDAN SHARKEY
