Matt Lesser Releases Budget Polling Results

In late March and early April, State Representative Matt Lesser solicited his constituents' view on how to balance the state budget. In a series of mailings and press releases, Lesser asked residents of his 100th District (Middlefield, Durham, Rockfall, and parts of Middletown) to fill out a survey on state spending and state revenue. Lesser said he got a few hundred responses.

State Spending
Residents were given a choice in 18 different spending areas, to either "Cut a lot", "Cut a little", or "Protect". In 14 of those areas, the most common response (about 50%) was "Cut a little". In the areas of Aid to the Disabled, Aid to the Mentally Ill, Public Schools, and Veterans Services, the most common response (about 50%) was "Protect".

No area of spending was considered by a majority of respondents to be a place where it was appropriate to "cut a lot", but some were closer than others. These included "State Universities" (38%), "Rental Assistance for Families" (37%), "Drug Abuse Prevention and Rehabilitation" (37%), "Buses and Railroads" (36%), and "Protecting the Environment and Open Space" (34%)

Revenue
Residents were asked to respond "yes" or "no" on a variety of ways to increase revenue. Respondents overwhelmingly supported "Increase the income tax on individuals who earn $250,000 or higher a year" (67%), "Allow the sale of alcohol on Sundays" (70%), and "Increase the tax on alcohol and tobacco" (64%). Very few were in favor of "Increase the income tax on all individuals" (21%), "Increase the gas tax" (14%), "Increase taxes on businesses and corporations" (29%).

Residents' concerns
Lesser also asked about the concerns that residents have. About two-thirds of respondents expressed concern over the cost of energy, and a similar proportion were concerned about the cost of health insurance.

The Budget Process
Governor Malloy's submitted budget assumes $2 Billion in concessions from the State employee unions. The State Senate began debating a budget bill yesterday afternoon; they introduced 75 amendments to the bill. Lesser said the house was likely to begin considering the bill today.

Lesser said that the survey results indicated that there was no unanimity on any one area which should be cut. He said, "The results reflect the need for reasonable compromise." Lesser was pleased to learn from the poll that his own views on the budget priorities reflected those of his district, "I actually agree with my constituents."
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The survey questions and results are HERE