Democratic Senate leaders said Thursday they expect to vote on a tax and spending for the next two fiscal years.
Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney (D), New Haven says the budget will reduce spending by $3.5 billion, increase the income tax on families earning $500,000 or more per year, and level a surcharge on businesses anywhere from 20% to 30%.
The question is, does the Democratic majority in the Senate have the votes to pass the budget.. It is believed at least four Democrats plan on voting against the proposal. Nineteen votes are needed to win approval.
Wednesday, assistant President Pro Tem Senator Edith Prague (D), Columbia said she believes the votes are there, although she admits many Democratic Senators are still making up their minds. Republican Senate leader John McKinney (R), Fairfield says he has not been given the budget proposal as yet, leading him to believe Democrats do not have the necessary number to pass it.
Governor Rell says it's her belief the Democratic plan includes more than two-billion dollars in tax increases. If that's the case, she says, she will veto it.
