When Donovan says “everyone” does he mean state unions?

State House Speaker Christopher Donovan, D-Meriden, just wrapped up his inauguration day speech to the chamber, emphasizing his eagerness to get to work in the 2011 session growing Connecticut’s economy and creating jobs.

Donovan must also work with new Democratic Governor Dannel Malloy of Stamford to address an estimated $3.5 billion budget deficit.

“Everyone has to help out,” Donovan told his colleagues.

But there has been speculation that Donovan, a close ally of labor, will be reluctant to seek tough concessions from state employees. Although it will be Malloy doing any major negotiating, observers – particularly Republicans – have often said pressure from state Democratic leaders would go a long way to securing greater union concessions.

A labor leader in a recent interview with Hearst Connecticut Media Group said state employees are willing to come to the table, but also suggested lawmakers should look to the wealthy to help get the state out of the red.

“On the surface it just appears the wealthy have done very well and the disparity between the haves and have-nots seems to be widening,” said Ron McLellan, a union president and 32-year state employee.

So it’s going to be interesting in the coming months to see who exactly Donovan meant today when he said “everyone.”