McLachlan Touts Alternative Budget to Help Vets, Hospitals, Needy Residents

Sen. Michael McLachlan (pictured) participated in an Apr. 24 press conference to announce an alternative to Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s state budget proposal. The proposal aims to restore funding for veterans programs, help area hospitals, and restore vital social service programs for the neediest. The alternative budget plan is called a Blueprint for Prosperity.

Sen. Michael McLachlan (pictured) participated in a press conference on Apr. 24 at the State Capitol to announce an alternative to Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s state budget proposal.

Sen. McLachlan said the plan, a Blueprint for Prosperity, is balanced, under the state’s constitutional spending cap, restores vital social service programs for the neediest and reforms taxes, while instituting government reforms to save hundreds of millions in the coming two years.

Sen. McLachlan said the proposal will benefit taxpayers, consumers, the developmentally disabled, businesses, non-profits, municipalities and hospitals.

“I am particularly proud that our plan restores funding for the Connecticut Honor Guard,” said Sen. McLachlan. “Gov. Malloy’s budget proposes the elimination of state funds to support some of the honor guard at funerals for Connecticut veterans. Those military honors include rifle teams which fire graveside salutes. Our alternative budget restores those funds, and deservedly so. Our veterans have made huge sacrifices for us. This funding is the least we can do in return, and this idea has bipartisan support.”

The ideas will be debated in the weeks leading up to the end of the 2015 legislative session on June 3.

The plan can be viewed at www.ctsenrepublic.wpengine.com .