Connecticut Budget Deal Tackles $960 Million Deficit With Cuts, Layoffs
HARTFORD, Conn. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The big squeeze is coming to Connecticut.
There is no tax increase in the latest budget deal between Democratic lawmakers and Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, instead the state will tackle a $960 million deficit with cuts and layoffs, WCBS 880's Sean Adams reported.
Layoff notices were issued Tuesday to employees at Connecticut's Department of Developmental Services and the Military Department.
Malloy's budget office announced that 89 pink slips were 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.
These mark the first layoffs at the agency, which provides services to people with developmental disabilities.
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.
The Legislative session ends at midnight. It is not clear if Republicans will try to delay a vote.
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