Connecticut Lawmakers Return For Special Session After Backlash Over Tax Hikes

HARTFORD, Conn. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Connecticut lawmakers will consider rolling back some tax increases they approved earlier this month as they return to the Capitol for a special session.

Lawmakers are returning Monday after weeks of vocal criticism from businesses about the approximate $1.5 billion in tax increases included in the two-year, $40.3 billion budget that narrowly passed with only Democratic votes.

Votes are expected Monday on two budget-related bills that roll back some of the taxes, including a tax on computer and data processing. The revisions also include an additional $15 million in each year for hospitals. Some facilities have threatened to close clinics and lay off staff because of cuts in state funding to hospitals.

Other bills will be also considered.

Before the budget was passed June 3, Connecticut-based General Electric Co., Aetna Inc. and the Travelers Companies Inc. each released rare public statements taking issue with the tax increases.

GE and Aetna both questioned whether they would remain in Connecticut.

Gov. Dannel Malloy was asked after the spending package passed if he had broken a promise he made in January that the budget would not contain new taxes.

"I presented a budget that did not raise taxes," he said. "No one was prepared to vote for that budget, but that's the reality."

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