This is the statement from Fred Camillo on SB 1068:
Good Morning/Afternoon, Ranking Senator Cassano, Ranking House member McCarthy-Vahey, Ranking Senator Hwang, and Ranking House member Zullo…
Thank you for accepting my testimony in opposition to SB 1068, AAC Property Taxes and Affordable Housing.
This bill would penalize hardworking Connecticut residents who reside in towns that have not met the 10% affordable housing mandate from the state. The bill proposes to continue this effort to chip away at the autonomy of municipalities as well as digs deeper into the pockets of homeowners who already face one of the highest tax burdens in the nation.
I would urge my former colleagues, many of whom I still keep in touch with and respect very much, to focus on what they would like our state to look like in 10 years. If that vision includes job growth, sustainable energy policies, affordable living, and an Environmental landscape that includes open space, tree lined streets free of car clutter, and local autonomy and diversity, then I would ask that you all to reject these harmful concepts and look to a pro-growth agenda.
Many towns, like Greenwich, are making progress on the affordable housing front, much of which stems from local initiatives, NOT state mandates. At best, one size fits all mandates will not work. At worst, they will seriously damage local economies and put the state into an even deeper hole as revenues decline when the exodus resumes.
Thanks for your consideration, and I would be happy to answer any questions.
Sincerely,
Fred Camillo
First Selectman
Town of Greenwich
