Fasano Statement on Consensus Revenues
April 29, 2016
State Deficit Could Grow to $1 billion in 2017
Hartford – Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano (R-North Haven) released the following statement about new consensus revenue figures which show a budget deficit of $256 million in 2016 and $960 million in fiscal year 2017.
These figures include an increase in Miscellaneous Revenue by approximately $40 million, which has to be presumed to be a large legal settlement the state has yet to actually gather. Not including this questionable revenue source, the 2017 deficit could be as large as $1 billion.
“Once again the Democrats are leading Connecticut down a very dangerous path. This consensus revenue figure is counting on money the state simply doesn’t have. At best, this is a one-time revenue grab. At worst, this is an empty pot and a complete distraction from the real size of the problem we face,” said Sen. Fasano.
“This maneuver is not only risky for our state’s financial health. It also puts the Attorney General’s Office at a huge disadvantage to solving any claims moving forward.
“Let’s be clear about why the Democrats are taking this path. They are doing anything and everything to avoid facing the truth. Their policies have created a gaping budget hole of $826 million so far this year and $1 billion next year. They are misleading the public to cover up the devastating financial reality they alone are responsible for. They’ve driven our state into crisis and even now we see the same old irresponsible behavior. It’s business as usual for the Democrats,” said Fasano.