A 100-member Citizens’ Assembly in Connecticut has begun its work to address the state’s property tax crisis, which has been a longstanding issue for middle- and low-income households, stymying business growth and creating disparities in K-12 education between cities and suburbs.

Background

The property tax has its roots in colonial times and has plagued governors and legislators for decades. Municipal leaders hope that this fresh look at the issue will force gubernatorial contenders to confront the problem.

Joe DeLong, executive director of the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, said, ‘I wanted the recommendations out before the election.’ The assembly is set to conclude on September 26.

Gubernatorial Candidates’ Stances

Republican gubernatorial nominee Sen. Ryan Fazio and Democratic candidates Gov. Ned Lamont and Rep. Josh Elliott have been reminded of the need to address the property tax issue. Fazio has proposed stopping unfunded state mandates on municipalities, reducing exemptions for universities and hospitals, and capping future tax rate hikes.

Lamont has approved $280 million in new municipal aid this year and has accelerated an effort to bolster operating aid to local schools. However, the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities says that communities lose more than $400 million annually due to inadequate state aid to school districts.

Citizens’ Assembly

The Citizens’ Assembly, which includes members like Dawris Gomez of Bridgeport and James N. Farrell of East Haven, aims to provide a platform for citizens to discuss and find solutions to the property tax crisis. Gomez said, ‘I think it would certainly go a long way to buy goodwill capital with the public.’ Farrell added, ‘You have 100-plus citizens who are giving up their time to look into this, and our voices need to be heard.’

Original reporting: The Connecticut Mirror — read the source article.