LEGISLATURE IN DENIAL ON BUDGET

Opinion by Rep. Tony D’Amelio

 It hasn’t taken long for the budget that the majority passed in October to fall apart entirely.  Since it was based on borrowing an unprecedented $1 billion, one-time gimmicks, increased taxes on people and businesses, depleted our Rainy Day Fund and increased spending, it was bound to happen.  That is why I voted against this measure.

Just before Christmas the legislature reconvened to address the growing deficit which State Comptroller Nancy Wyman has estimated to be at $513.3 million.  The majority demonstrated more of the poor accounting that got us where we are today.  They offered a package that could only find $12 million in cuts to state government and its bloated bureaucracy, underfunded state employee pensions and increases taxes and fees yet again.  In other words, the majority didn’t want to make any tough choices.  Instead, they intended to pass the burden on to the people of Connecticut who are already struggling in this economy.

Governor Rell vetoed this package which would have dug our hole even deeper.  In her veto message she noted that the spending of the legislature has far exceeded the ability of the people of the state to pay the tab.

One unfortunate result of the mismanagement of this crisis in the legislature is that Moody’s Investment Services and Fitch Ratings have revised their outlook on Connecticut’s general obligation bonds from “stable” to “negative.”  The Treasurer’s office states that this lower rating could cost Connecticut an additional $80 million per year.

House and Senate Republicans offered an alternative plan last year which preserved aid to towns and cities, preserved essential services, and placed the state budget back in balance without increasing taxes.  The majority weren’t interested in the types of common sense solutions.  They believe you aren’t paying enough taxes already.

Our high deficit is proof that the majority’s policies, or lack thereof, just aren’t working.  The people of this state are tightening their belts while they face layoffs, foreclosures and a tough time making ends meet.  The people of this state have to live within their means and state government must as well.  It is my hope that Democrats will make a greater effort to work with Republicans in the legislature and Governor Rell to find some common solutions to this crisis.  Business as usual won’t cut it any longer.