On WCBS AM 880, Sen. Kane notes that even Gov. Malloy’s budget chief can’t firmly rule out higher taxes. [CBS New York]

Article as it appeared on CBS New York

HARTFORD, Conn. (CBSNewYork) – Facing a looming budget deficit, concern is being expressed by at least one of Connecticut’s legislative money men over the state’s financial picture.

When he took office, Gov. Dan Malloy banked on a tax package he hoped would put Connecticut on solid financial footing.

But in recent weeks, there have been projections of budget deficits that could balloon to more than $1 billion for the coming fiscal year.

“You can’t tax your way to prosperity and we’re seeing that right now,” said St. Sen. Rob Kane, the ranking member on the appropriations committee. “We’ve had zero job growth. We have nine percent unemployment. We have the highest taxes in the country. We have the highest energy prices in the country, the highest health care costs in the country.”

Kane says even Malloy’s budget chief can’t firmly rule out higher taxes.

“We really need to know after the greatest tax increase in our state’s history – $1.8 billion – are you going to raise it again or are you willing to make the spending cuts that need to be made?” Kane said.

There’s word the governor may soon announce $150 million in budget cuts.

But Kane said sweeping changes, including government outsourcing, must be made if Connecticut is to prosper.

“Government should provide four basic functions – public health, public safety, education, and infrastructure,” Kane told WCBS 880 Connecticut Bureau Chief Fran Schneidau. “Beyond that, everything needs to be looked at.”