Larson Supports A Budget That Benefits Connecticut

Washington D.C. – Today, Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) made the following statement after voting for the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 which provides a tremendous boost for the state of Connecticut.

"It was the calls from Connecticut community health centers, the voices of parents of children affected by the opioid crisis at public forums, and the plea of a local Hartford firefighter to amend the U.S. Flag Code to honor those first responders who fall in the line of duty. It is the voices of those who don't care about politics – just solutions. It is a community health center in Hartford like Charter Oak Health Center or Community Health Services, Inc, who care for some of the most vulnerable, and just wanted to be able to continue their mission. It is also families I have met who have been devastated by the opioid epidemic who have cried out for more funding to prevent and treat a debilitating addiction to save a loved one. The thousands of Connecticut families who depend on the Children's Health Insurance Program, but had been held hostage to a broken budget process. The fuel cell manufacturers who have been such a boon to the Connecticut economy, but whose vital tax credits have been kept in limbo. This budget provides solutions and certainty for all of them and many others.

"I was also heartened that this legislation included numerous bipartisan initiatives, including several that I authored with Republican colleagues. One of which, the Philanthropic Enterprise Act, would allow companies like Newman's Own, who donate 100 percent of their proceeds to charities and the social good, to no longer face punitive taxes for the good work that they do. The budget bill also includes the Steve Gleason Enduring Voices Act – a bill I introduced in collaboration with two members of Republican leadership – Reps. Scalise and McMorris Rodgers. This bill, supported by groups like the Center for Medicare Advocacy, Team Gleason, and the ALS Association, ensures access to speech generating devices in Medicare for those with degenerative diseases like ALS or multiple sclerosis, no longer allowing those bravely fighting devastating diseases to be without a voice. Lastly, legislation that was the brainchild of a local Hartford firefighter, Jim McLoughlin, the Honoring Hometown Heroes Act will also be signed into law. This bill will clarify in the U.S. Flag Code that Governors can lower the American flag to half-mast in the event of the death of a first responder.

"For the fuel cell industry in Connecticut, this budget provides an important tax credit that I have fought for many years, helping to promote cutting edge technologies in Connecticut, which is home to the world's leading fuel cell manufacturers. I have heard from the businesses and workers in the fuel cell industry about the importance of extending the investment tax credit. As a founder of the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Caucus, I was proud to vote to extend the investment tax credit for five years, which will provide parity with other clean energy technologies and allow this industry to grow jobs in Connecticut.

"In addition, after far too long, substantial disaster relief was finally provided to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. While there's still more work to be done, I know from speaking with the Puerto Rican community in Hartford and across the First District whose families have been directly impacted, as well as Puerto Rican Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González how sorely this aid was needed. I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure that we continue to provide the relief that's needed for our fellow American citizens in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

"Finally, Leader Pelosi's filibuster pushed Speaker Ryan to make a rare concession on the House floor, where he promised to work toward a solution for DREAMers. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has already scheduled the Senate debate on proposals, as early as next week. Democrats will continue to lead on this issue and push for a solution in the House.

"I am proud of the work that we have accomplished in this bill. By working bipartisanly, we were able to find solutions that will actually help people in Connecticut and the country. That's what our constituents sent us to Congress to do," said Larson.

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