Sen. Hwang Provides CT State Capitol Budget Update

Sen. Tony Hwang today issued the following statement regarding the state budget:

“I was encouraged that legislative Democrats today proposed a budget plan which restores a portion of Governor Malloy’s proposed funding cuts for local education. Earlier this week, Republicans proposed our own alternative budget which fully restores those education cuts. This common priority between the two parties is welcomed news for towns like Fairfield, Easton, Weston, Newtown, and Westport.

“Now, here is the bad news. Majority Democrat leadership in the Senate and House has not been meeting with the governor and the Republicans. That lack of discussion is inexcusable and does not bode well for the passage of a final budget that the governor would sign into law.”

“In addition, the Democratic budget presentation does not contain the necessary structural changes that are required in order to put our state back on a sustainable, predictable path. Instead, the Democrats rely on several ‘phantom’ savings initiatives and highly questionable funding schemes. That’s not leadership, and that’s exactly the wrong way to go about ending our fiscal crisis. We need more transparency in our state budget, not more smoke and mirrors. Those gimmicks are what got our state so deep into this red ink in the first place and have led to multiple tax hikes and cuts to our most vulnerable residents.

“They have also not released details of key line items in their budget proposal. Without such information, our community remains in the dark about specified cuts and how it will impact our respective towns. Connecticut taxpayers deserve better. With less than a week remaining in the legislative session, and with towns like Fairfield on the verge of passing local budgets, state government should be projecting certainty. Instead, we have anything but certainty and transparency at this late date.”

“Bottom line: There is a very real possibility that majority Democrats’ failure to do their job will result in a very quick – and justifiable – gubernatorial veto. Towns should plan accordingly for that grim scenario.”

The detailed alternative budget proposed by Sen. Hwang and legislative Republicans is attached.

A powerpoint presentation of the Republican plan can be viewed at http://ctsenrepublic.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Long-Term20Budget.Public.pdf .

Further details of the Republican plan can be viewed at www.ctsenrepublic.wpengine.com .
(The Democrats’ budget proposal is also attached. It does not contain line-by-line local education funding details.)