M. Jodi Rell, Governor (R-Connecticut) joined The John Gambling Show to discuss the Connecticut Budget battle and headlines coming out of Hartford.
Governor Rell said that the Democratic majority is close to running a budget, but the press core is skeptical because the party said they had $3.5 billion in cuts, when in reality it was $300 million in NEW cuts. In comparison to $8 billion shortfall, that's clearly not enough. In addition, the party never gave the press a list of these cuts. Governor Rell thinks that this week the government will get enough votes to pass the budget, but, if the votes are accurate, it will accumulate $2.8 billion in new taxes. Connecticut's total budget is $37 billion for 2 years. The governor admitted that most are cuts that she proposed, but Connecticut needs real cuts, or else it will be "a long summer."
The Governor alluded that New York Governor David Paterson's problems and her state's problems are not the same---- she said that raising taxes and cutting spending, although a good idea, will not work. New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine wants $2.5 Billion in more cuts. Governor Rell think that's okay the first time, but he'll be dragging the pain the second. Make serious cuts now, before one talks about revenue. Goal is to downsize government burocracy, such as repeat services, boards, commissions and travel expenses for officials. She also says she puts the budget into prospective--- cut the 4th of July displays because of what the city/town is faced with--- layoffs, cuts--cutting fireworks is a casualty of budget and economy.
The Governor concluded that the final lever to pull to make budget happen would be to run the state government on 'as necessary" basis. The state will pay salaries for state employees, maintain state police and corrections---things essential to running govt. For example, a park ranger could be reassigned to another park, but one is there at their own risk. She also said that the state will pay for services as they can afford them. If there is no cash, the state closes intake. "Tough," Governor Rell said, "but it is necessary."
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