Connecticut Considering Reducing Aid To Cities, Towns Amid Budget Concerns

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (CBSNewYork/AP)-- The state of Connecticut is in its own budget jam and considering reducing aid to towns and cities.

The state currently provides cities and towns in Connecticut with some state aid, but that amount could be cut.

New Haven Mayor Toni Harp, who's already submitted her budget, said with so many tax exempt properties in the city, it will be impossible to cope with fewer state dollars.

"It's really, I think, a question of equity when they tell us we can't raise revenue in any other way," she told WCBS 880's Fran Schneidau.

Much of the property in New Haven is tax exempt, reducing the amount of money it gets from the state. Harp said cutting it further will leave no choice but to cut police and fire, which she said is out of the question.

Connecticut Gov. Dannel  Malloy said Wednesday the General Assembly will also need to pass legislation to cover the rest of the shortfall.

The current fiscal year is at least $220 million in the red. The budget is about $20 billion. The year ends June 30.

Malloy was expected to meet privately Wednesday with Democratic and Republican legislative leaders. He has asked them to provide him with budget-cutting ideas.

He says a package offered by the legislature's minority Republicans has "some solid ideas.'' However, Malloy's spokesman says the administration has concerns about proposed cuts to property tax relief and higher education.

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