Representative Dave Yaccarino (R-87) Wednesday, May 4, voted against the majority party's two-year state budget that raises taxes on the middle class to historic highs and threatens Connecticut's economy.

The $40 billion 2-year budget passed the House by an 83 to 67 vote.

"Connecticut families are struggling and can't afford new and higher taxes," Rep. Yaccarino said. "I couldn't, in clear conscience, vote against the hard-working people of North Haven and support these massive increases."

In a 3 a.m. vote Tuesday morning state senators narrowly approved the Democrat plan by a margin of 19-17. Malloy said he will sign the budget, including the largest tax increase ($1.8 billion) in Connecticut history, into law.

Rep. Yaccarino said during his monthly office hours he heard from constituents who were concerned with the current direction of the state and who asked him to stop the legislature from raising their taxes.

"As a small business owner I can't call my ledger balanced unless the numbers match up," Rep. Yaccarino said. "If I don't take in more than I spend I go out of business, but the budget presented today is already out of balance to the tune of $2 billion and it hasn't even been implemented yet. The people of the state can't afford a government that considers a budget balanced when it's actually a work in progress."

Democrats eliminated the tax-free exemption for clothing and shoes under $50, slashed the $500 property tax exemption and raised taxes on everything from non-prescription drugs to rental cars. There is a sales tax hike from 6% to 6.35% that will make already expensive goods even more expensive, Yaccarino said.