Connecticut Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont is considering including a new tax on groceries and prescription drugs as part of his administration's first budget proposal.
A staffer for Lamont told Fox News that the governor’s office is weighing and researching several options as they formulate the proposal, which is due Feb. 20, but no formal decisions have been made.
“In order to build a better budget; one that will attempt to provide the much-needed stability for economic growth through the next two years and through the next decade, we need to explore new and different options,” Lamont spokesman Chris McClure told Fox News. “This means leaving no stone unturned, and engaging in all necessary conversations so we can evaluate and analyze ways to achieve and retain balance.”
Even the consideration of such a tax, though, is sparking a backlash in the state with a history of high taxes.
“People throughout Connecticut are bracing themselves and their financial plans so they can manage the brunt of Governor Lamont and Connecticut Democrat lawmakers and their new taxes and proposals,” House Republican Leader Themis Klarides told Fox News. “Targeting groceries and medication to generate revenue is a terrible strategy.”
The details of the possible sales tax are unclear. According to a local report, the tax, if implemented, could be set at the current 6.35 percent sales tax, or limited to 2 percent as recommended by a "fiscal stability commission."
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