Connecticut Local Politics

Remember the idea of capping property tax increases at 3%? And remember that spending cap that voters voted for in the 1990s, but everyone has managed to ignore since?

Well, both are coming back next year, Gov. Rell has said. On the spending cap:

“I’m somewhat worried” about the budget, “but not overly concerned so long as we hold the line,” Rell said in an interview Monday in her Capitol office. “I’ve already told all of the agencies ‘don’t ask for anything.’ … We will not exceed the cap.” (Phaneuf)

Brave words for someone who allowed the cap to be busted in 2005, 2006 and 2007–and I doubt that Democrats are going to be willing to play along. Of course, to oppose Rell, Democrats would have to hang together, something they were unable to do much of last session.

As for the municipal property tax cap:

In a year-end interview, Rell said she will return to the proposal, which would require cities and towns to limit property tax increases annually to no more than 3 percent. Municipalities would be permitted to raise taxes above that level if the voters approve it in a referendum.

“The property tax cap will be back, which will help cities and towns,” Rell said. (Keating)

A lot of Democrats aren’t fans of the idea. The same is true for leaders of big cities, like Eddie Perez and John DeStefano. The major problem is that what might work for one town won’t work for another, and what’s good for North Canaan isn’t necessarily good for Hartford. Of course, Democrats promised us some sort of property tax reform last year, and we didn’t get it.

Rell’s more strident fiscal conservatism is one of the benefits of the closer relationship she’s seemed to have with legislative Republicans over the past year. Plus, it makes for good election-year politics, as I’m sure Rell would love to see the number of Republicans in the legislature increase come next November.

For the details of both plans, we’ll have to wait until next year. But for now it certainly seems like spending and taxes will be one of the major issues of the next session.

Sources
Keating, Christopher. “Rell To Renew Tax-Cap Proposal.” Hartford Courant 20 December, 2007.
Phaneuf, Keith. “Rell takes early stand on taxes, spending cap.” Journal-Inquirer 18 December, 2007.