HARTFORD- State Representative Mitch Bolinsky (R-Newtown) reported Tuesday, October 24, that a bipartisan, consensus budget has been reached.The Newtown Bee at noon, "but, for now, I want you to know how tenaciously Newtown's state delegation has worked to rectify what could have been some very questionable and unfair cuts.

"I am at Capitol and will know the details in a few hours," Mr Bolinsky e-mailed

"Again, final details will follow but, top-line highlights will include:

*Restoration of nearly all of Newtown's education cost sharing dollars ($4.65M & $4.76M) and municipal revenue sharing for FYs 18 and 19. Recall that the Governor and legislative majority's last proposals had us zeroed or near zeroed out.

*Revocation of the Governor's attempt to assign $4-million of state-mismanaged retirement obligations to Newtown.

*Restoration of support dollars for special education and increased funding to core social service programs for seniors and the disabled.

*New, stronger spending cap, beginning with lower expenditures in FY 2018 and a bonding cap.

*No income tax increases.

*No sales tax increase.

*No cell phone surcharge.

*No increases in DMV fees.

*No increased tax to eat out.

*No new tax on non-prescription meds.

"There is more, including how we pay for it all but, for now, this is what I have as we rally all four caucuses to pass a forward-thinking, veto-proof, consensus budget," said Mr Bokinsky.

The House hopes to vote on Thursday, October 26, according to the representative, who added, "Not all pieces of the new budget proposal will please everyone but, sacrifice is a hallmark of effective compromise."