The residents of Groton should be proud that our State Representatives took a stand to protect the working- and middle- class against the Republican budget. Reps. Chris Connelly and Joe de la Cruz voted against the Republican plan that caters to the ultra-wealthy and corporations while attempting to balance the budget at the expense of the working people of Connecticut. They know that unfair and unrealistic assumptions concerning the state's pension plan simply push our responsibilities onto future generations. They also know that reducing the earned income tax credit, in place to help the working poor, puts an undue burden on the middle- and lower-class.

Unfortunately, there aren't enough politicians in Hartford with enough conviction to take the same stance as our representatives. I would like to personally express my appreciation to Chris and Joe for standing up for the values that are important to me and my family.

Daniel Tompkins

Groton