Post by Logan on Feb 4, 2016 0:48:32 GMT -6
HARTFORD — In a bluntly worded speech, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy told state legislators Wednesday that they must accept "a new economic reality" of smaller government, scaled-back programs and greater compromise.
In remarks that sometimes drew applause from Republicans, the Democratic governor said more than 1,000 state jobs would be eliminated through attrition and layoffs. He called on state employees to join him in addressing long-neglected pension obligations and bringing benefits in line with what taxpayers can bear.
"I will not negotiate with our partners in labor from this podium or through the press,'' he said. "Instead, I will simply say that our expectations for these negotiations should be based on what we can afford, not what we previously spent."
Malloy declared that his $20 billion annual state budget will not include tax increases. He pledged to reach out to legislators from both parties as they craft a budget they can support. Lawmakers will be struggling to close a projected deficit of more than $550 million for the new fiscal year, which starts July 1.
Read more: www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-malloy-budget-general-assembly-20160203-story.html
In remarks that sometimes drew applause from Republicans, the Democratic governor said more than 1,000 state jobs would be eliminated through attrition and layoffs. He called on state employees to join him in addressing long-neglected pension obligations and bringing benefits in line with what taxpayers can bear.
"I will not negotiate with our partners in labor from this podium or through the press,'' he said. "Instead, I will simply say that our expectations for these negotiations should be based on what we can afford, not what we previously spent."
Malloy declared that his $20 billion annual state budget will not include tax increases. He pledged to reach out to legislators from both parties as they craft a budget they can support. Lawmakers will be struggling to close a projected deficit of more than $550 million for the new fiscal year, which starts July 1.
Read more: www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-malloy-budget-general-assembly-20160203-story.html