The Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) this afternoon (Wednesday, May 7) expressed its gratitude to the state legislative leadership for committing to hold a special legislative session before July 1 to ensure the passage of legislation to extend the present rates of the municipal real estate conveyance tax.                                              

General Assembly leaders, Senate President Don Williams and Speaker of the House Jim Amann, said earlier today that they will hold a special session -- probably in June -- to extend the full municipal share of the real estate conveyance tax.              

James J. Finley, Executive Director and CEO of CCM, said CCM-member municipal leaders are "gratified that state legislative leadership have found a way to maintain their commitment to towns and cities regarding the real estate conveyance tax. Such action will help towns and cities restrain property taxes and maintain important local services.”

CCM had repeatedly urged state legislators to not let this desperately-needed legislation sunset on June 30. The $40 million in municipal non-property-tax revenue -- which would not cost the State a dime -- has been included in municipal budgets across the state for FY 2008-09.