Coelho Critical Of Kushner Support For State Union Raises

Danbury CT

20 April, 2022

3:24 PM

Description

Press release from the Danbury Republican Town Committee: April 20, 2022 Michelle Coelho, Republican candidate for the State Senate in the 24th District, today pointed to Sen. Julie Kushner's Apr. 18 vote in favor of the nearly $2 billion contract agreement between Gov. Ned Lamont's ad ministration and the State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition (SEBAC) as "even more evidence that we need a new state senator to represent greater Danbury." Coelho went on to say; "Kushner's vote for state em ployee union raises and bonuses is even more evidence that we need a new state senator. Kushner, in a meeting of the legislature's Appropriations Committee, voted in favor of raises and bonus pay ments for unionized state employees which will cost Connecticut taxpayers $407 million per year over the next four years. "The choice for overburdened greater Danbury taxpayers gets clearer and clearer by the week," Coelho said, "Either re-elect the current senator who votes to spend your money on growing government, or elect someone's who will always put you and your families wallets first. "Rather than pushing for immediate tax relief for families in Danbury, New Fairfield and Ridgefield, our cur rent state senator has chosen to saddle our families with future fiscal obligations. Who do you think will be stuck with paying the tab? The very families who are already struggling to deal with 8.5 percent inflation, that's who. Our current voice in Hartford knows that, and her 'yes' vote is one which she will be held ac countable for in November." Last week, Coelho issued a stinging criticism of Kushner for championing Senate Bill 317 which was dubbed "The Job Killer" by many business owners. It would allow striking workers to also collect Connecticut unemployment benefits. Kushner was also criticized for being unable to answer questions related to the bill's details and how it would hurt businesses trying to recover. "The voters of Danbury, Ridgefield and New Fairfield are paying attention and they are making their voices heard. They are saying, "no more job and business killing legislation from Senator Kushner." I will remind working and middle class families about these anti-taxpayer, anti-business votes from now until Election Day. Clearly, it's time to change course. That's why I am asking for your support and your vote." Coelho, a first-generation Cuban American who moved to Danbury with over 20 years ago, is a full-time project manager and developer with 30 years of experience in oversight and construction planning. She currently serves on the Danbury Board of Education. This press release was produced by the Danbury Republican Town Committee. The views expressed here are the author's own.