WHAT’S $2.558 BILLION BETWEEN FRIENDS?
After six months of substantially low-balling the size of the state’s projected budget deficit, Governor M. Jodi Rell finally agreed to a new budget deficit estimate of $8.558 billion, which amounts to $2.558 billion more than her original estimate of $6 billion. The agreement between the legislature and Governor Rell comes after the legislature passed, and re-passed by a veto-proof margin last week, the consensus revenue forecasting bill that Governor Rell originally vetoed.
“While I’m pleased the Governor has finally agreed to a more realistic budget deficit number that accurately reflects the true fiscal pain Connecticut is going through right now, taxpayers in this state shouldn’t have had to wait until Governor Rell was forced to do so by law,” said Democratic State Party Chairwoman Nancy DiNardo. “If she had come to the table months ago with a real number, and not one concocted purely for political points, we could have had a budget agreed upon, or at least be substantially further along in negotiations than we are at this time.
“Connecticut residents are hanging in the balance and last week’s Quinnipiac Poll confirms what we already know to be true – we need a measured approach to solve our fiscal crisis, and everyone – including the wealthy – must pay their fair share. Now that we know truly the kind of trouble we’re in, Governor Rell must commit herself to this process, and put aside any political posturing.”
