Governor

Spending Cuts to Start as State Remains Without Budget

The Connecticut budget deadline is Sunday and with no budget reached, cities and towns will be hit with some deep spending cuts. On Saturday people voiced their opinions about Gov. Dannel Malloy’s budget veto and what to do next.

On Saturday a group of people, including Bianca Johnson from Colchester, marched and shouted outside the governor’s mansion hoping he and lawmakers would hear.

“Let it be about we the people, not the Democratic party not the Republican party, it should be about us the people,” said Johnson.

As a mother of three who spent her life on a budget, Johnson says no veto, we need a budget now.

“I am hoping to convince these senators and representatives to vote to override the veto,” said Johnson.

Joe Visconti, who plant to run for Connecticut Governor himself as a Republican, organized the rally as a private citizen. He said overriding the governor’s veto is the best solution.

“Trying to form a budget in the next three weeks is like trying to plan your next vacation while you are in the middle of a train wreck,” said Visconti.

Many cities and towns are fearing the impact of the executive order. No budget means payments to cities and towns will get cut down dramatically starting during the first week of October.

After Sunday, 85 school systems will see their entire state education aid eliminated, while another 54 will see major reductions. When to comes to West Hartford, they want fair funding for schools, however, town leaders say they planned ahead.

“I don't know if I would say I was happy he vetoed the budget. I wish that we could come to some sort of a resolution. It is very difficult being in limbo,” said Judy Casperson, who is a member of the West Hartford Town Council.

Casperson said the state funding uncertainty is tough, however, West Hartford has enough fiscal resources to last through the end of the year.

“Come to a resolution that will benefit the people of the state and of West Hartford of course,” said Casperson.

When asked if she thought a new budget was the best solution, she said: "I say we need more work, yes.”

Bianca Johnson said it is time we all work together. “Let’s get out and get some work done,” said Johnson.

The next chance for lawmakers to override the governor’s veto will be on Oct. 10.

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