Lawmakers Question Cost Of Covering Deficit In Connecticut State Budget
HARTFORD, Conn. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Lawmakers in Connecticut will vote on the state's budget next week in a special legislative session.
As WCBS 880 Connecticut Bureau Chief Fran Schneidau reported, the proposed budget does plug a nearly $1 billion deficit, but some have questioned the cost.
State Senate Republican leader Len Fasano (R-North Haven) said the plan put forth by the Democratic majority fails to address the long-terms needs of the state of Connecticut.
"Basically what they're saying is, 'We don't have enough money so here are the cuts we're going to do just for this fiscal year,' but speaks about nothing for future," Fasano said.
Democratic Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) said while there are spending cuts and fewer services, funds are still set aside for many important functions.
"(We) continue to invest in transportation, we continue to invest in municipal funding, and higher education," Duff said.
Cuts and layoffs were already announced as part of the budget plan. Layoff notices were issued Tuesday to employees at Connecticut's Department of Developmental Services and the Military Department.
Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's budget office announced Tuesday that 89 pink slips had been sent to DDS employees. One notice was issued to a Military Department employee.
The DDS layoffs stem from previously announced closures of regional centers and conversions of state-operated group homes to privately operated facilities. The workers perform administrative and maintenance functions and some provide clinical services including speech therapy.
To date, a total of 650 executive branch employees have received pink slips as part of an effort to address the projected deficit in next fiscal year's budget. Up to 2,500 state workers could lose their jobs, including 600 in the judicial branch, which the Hartford Courant reports that could spark a constitutional challenge.
Non-union state employees will pay higher health premiums, and some transportation spending will be delayed.
Malloy summed up the budget as a plan which adjusts to Connecticut's new economic reality. Lawmakers are expected to take the vote on the plan next week.
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