Senator McKinney’s Statement on Rejection of Labor Deal, Special Session

State Senate Minority Leader John McKinney (R-Fairfield):

“Today’s news is a stunning defeat for Governor Malloy. It is now up to the legislature to do what it should have done in the first place; cut government spending.

“Republicans continue to stand ready and willing to work with Governor Malloy and legislative Democrats to cut government spending and balance the budget. However, it is not acceptable for the legislature to shirk its responsibility and cede constitutional authority to the Governor to make those decisions alone. Rescission powers exist to deal with fiscal emergencies that arise after a balanced budget has been passed, not before.

“Republicans also believe Thursday’s special session is an opportunity to begin addressing our state’s long-term pension and healthcare liabilities. A positive step in that direction would include the elimination of longevity pay for state employees and changes to retirement rules so that state employees can no longer pad pensions with overtime pay.”