Republican lawmakers have unveiled an alternate two-year budget that eliminates some of Governor Dannel Malloy's proposed tax hikes, while restoring or scaling back many of the social service and Medicaid cuts proposed in the governor's budget.
The Republicans' $39.4 billion budget would be balanced in part by a one-year wage freeze for state employees, a better accounting of overtime pay, and a controversial, one-time $253 million item Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano said was never realized by state labor unions when Malloy negotiated with them in 2011.
"When it all got filtered out, there was $253 million according to OFA [Office of Fiscal Analysis] which fell short," Fasano said. "So all we are saying to the governor is: listen, you made a pledge; it was $253 million short; go get what was promised."
When asked by reporters whether the $253 million could come from possible union concessions, Fasano said, "The governor's greatest tool is layoffs."
In a written statement, Council 4 of the American Federation of State County and Municipal employees spokesman Larry Dorman responded:
Without our most recent changes in wages, pension and healthcare Connecticut's budget deficit would be far worse. Instead of blaming dedicated public servants, it’s time to ask Connecticut’s largest corporations and wealthiest citizens like Tom Foley to help prevent devastating cuts by making a fair contribution to the state budget.
The Republicans' plan comes just days before the Democratic-controlled budget writing committee unveils its own plan.
Responding to the Republican budget, House Speaker Brendan Sharkey said, "The Republicans deserve credit for sharing their ideas instead of simply sniping from the sidelines. Some of the minority’s proposed adjustments will be incorporated in the full Appropriations Committee budget, so I would expect a bipartisan vote as well."
