CT governor proposes tax increases on alcohol - Connecticut

Modern Brewery Age, Feb 16, 2004

Connecticut's Republican Gov. John G. Rowland is proposing higher taxes on cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, beer and wine to help cut a budget deficit, state officials said.

The tax increases are needed to prevent further cuts in the state budget, to head off any cuts in municipal aid and to help close the state budget deficit, said Dean Pagani, Rowland's chief of staff and spokesman. State Comptroller Nancy Wyman said the deficit in the current fiscal year's budget is an estimated $85 million.

Democrats and Republicans did not react favorably to the governor's proposal. House Republican leader Robert Ward said that if any tax is raised, then a commensurate cut should be made in another tax.