Connecticut’s state budget is in dire straits. As we
negotiate a two-year spending plan an overwhelming $5 billion deficit is
threatening all state services. Unfortunately, this fiscal environment was
predicted by me and my fellow Republican legislators over the past six years.
Governor Malloy’s budget proposal includes $1.567 billion in
anticipated savings from negotiations with state employee unions. Twelve
collective bargaining agreements are under negotiations now with the Governor.
These new contracts will have long-term impacts on Connecticut taxpayers long
after Governor Malloy leaves office in January 2019.
Given the bad news delivered by our state tax collector that
the Top 100 taxpayers’ income dropped a whopping 45% last year, Governor Malloy
should be seeking even greater savings from state employee union negotiations.
Calculating the increased budget deficit projected since the Governor released
his budget proposal requires an additional $664 million in labor savings.
Governor Malloy should be seeking $2.231 billion in labor
savings during his twelve labor contracts negotiations. Connecticut taxpayers
will vote with their feet if these negotiations fall short.
