Ryan Fazio Outlines Tax Cuts, Lower Electric Bills and Greater Accountability

Tax relief and electricity costs

State Senator Ryan Fazio outlined proposals to reduce taxes, lower electricity bills and strengthen oversight of public spending during an interview on Spotlight and Shadows with Isabel Calione.

The Republican candidate for Connecticut governor said affordability would be his administration's top priority, focusing on working families, young adults and seniors struggling to remain in the state.

Fazio proposed gradually reducing taxes by approximately $2,500 annually for the average middle-class family by the end of his first term. He said the relief would be financed through spending reductions, slower growth in the state budget and the elimination of selected corporate tax breaks.

Asked what would happen if the projected savings did not materialize immediately, Fazio said the tax cuts would be phased in over four years, rather than delivered all at once.

He also proposed cutting electricity bills by 20% by eliminating or phasing out charges associated with government programs. Those savings represent his campaign's projections, rather than guaranteed reductions for individual households.

Public spending and transparency

Calione questioned Fazio about utility oversight, contracts awarded without competitive bidding and accountability when investigations raise concerns about public officials.

The discussion included communications obtained by The New England Voice directly from the Governor's Office concerning Eversource, as well as a workplace investigation report concerning former Hartford Treasurer Carmen Sierra obtained directly from Hartford City Hall.

Fazio called for greater transparency and said accountability should apply regardless of political affiliation.

"It doesn't matter what party you're in," he said. "If you're breaking the public trust, if you're stealing money, if you're abusing power, you should be held accountable."

His proposals include public notice at least two weeks before contracts awarded without competitive bidding take effect, stronger financial review of private organizations receiving taxpayer money and disclosure of potential conflicts of interest.

Housing, small businesses and Latino communities

On housing, Fazio advocated property tax relief, changes to construction regulations and expanded training opportunities for skilled trades workers. He also supported making it easier to create accessory apartments, convert unused offices into housing and develop smaller residential projects, while preserving a leading role for municipalities.

For small businesses, he proposed removing two regulations for every new one introduced and exempting smaller employers from certain requirements.

Asked about Connecticut's Latino communities, Fazio emphasized education, jobs, affordability and access to his administration.

"I think a leader's job is to listen more than anything else," he said.

Fazio said voters should judge him on measurable results, including progress toward lower costs and a more responsive government. Some proposals, he acknowledged during the discussion, would require legislative action.

Watch the full interview on the Spotlight and Shadows with Isabel Calione YouTube channel. The interview has also been shared on The New England Voice Facebook page.