Gov.-elect Dan Malloy released a statement tonight supporting the “framework” of the tax deal President Obama struck with congressional Republicans over the objections many in the state’s congressional delegation.
Malloy praised the extension of unemployment benefits and the tax increase that middle-class taxpayers will avoid, though he said nothing about the savings that also will go to the richest Americans, the nub of objections from U.S. Rep. John B. Larson, D-1st District, and others.
“There is no such thing as a perfect piece of legislation, and the makeup of the co-equal branches of government requires compromise,” said Malloy, who has twice visited Washington to lobby the Obama administration. “But the framework of this package is something I can support, particularly for the unemployment benefits it extends to the thousands of unemployed workers in the State of Connecticut, as well as the extension of the existing middle class tax cuts.”
Malloy did not object to House Democrats trying to strike a better deal — so long as the deal gets done.
“There is a legitimate role for the House of Representatives to play in this process – and they should – but at the end of the day, this should be passed and signed into law,” Malloy said.
Malloy’s comments echoed those of his own congressman in the 4th Congressional District, U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, who called the deal “reasonsable.”
One other reason for Malloy to be on board: If the deal isn’t adopted, taxpayers will see their federal income taxes go up just as Malloy is expected to propose a state tax increase to close off a deficit of more than $3.5 billion.