To the Editor,

Connecticut is in trouble. With a $4.3 Billion deficit on the horizon, our state has major problems. Who we send to Hartford will determine how those problems are addressed. My wife and I have the same concerns as many other Newtown families: Is Connecticut going to come back? What opportunities will there be in the future? Will we be able to afford it?

Each of the past tax increases was followed by revenue shortfalls because Connecticut has passed the tipping point on the Laffer’s Curve and can no longer go to the taxpayers to fund reckless spending. For each tax increase, we lose jobs and residents, shifting the burden onto those of us who remain. IRS data shows salaries for new Connecticut jobs average $30,000 less than the ones that have left, doing no favors for struggling families.

The repercussions are real. Eighteen months ago, when Pat Llodra and I went to Hartford, Newtown was facing education funding cuts proposed by Dan Malloy and his supporters. $4.89 million in Education Cost Sharing and a bill for approximately $3 million. Passed onto Newtown taxpayers, that would have been a seven percent property tax increase or cuts in services.

While the nation thrives, our state economy has been left behind, failing to even fully recover from 2008. Connecticut’s economy has shrunk 9.3 percent since 2007, and 80 people per day leave for opportunities elsewhere.

Connecticut cannot spend its way out of this mess. We need honest politicians with experience and a plan. We need State Senator Hwang and Representative Bolinsky. Please join me in voting on November 6th; the future of our state depends on it.

Though I am a member of the Legislative Council, my comments are my own.

Ryan Knapp

11 Jeremiah Road, Sandy Hook         October 31, 2018