A 10 percent cut in legislative pay, a two-day furlough for state employees and targeted cuts to various state accounts are among the ideas being suggested by Connecticut Republicans to slash the fiscal year's $220 million deficit. Republican leaders, who represent the legislature's minority party, unveiled their proposals Tuesday.Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano says the Republicans’ plan eliminates the need for state worker layoffs this fiscal year, which ends June 30. Democratic Governor Dannel Malloy suggested $6 million in workforce reductions. The GOP plan also preserves anticipated state funding for hospitals. Malloy took part in a forum on WATR Radio Tuesday as Republicans detailed their ideas.
“What I’ve said to Republican and Democratic leaders is ‘Let’s get a list of $220 million in cuts to be made in the remainder of this year,’” Malloy said. “When we do that, if it doesn’t include hospital numbers, then let’s write the checks out.”
Democrats have said they're examining cuts in municipal aid and vendor contracts. Malloy is expected to meet with lawmakers on Wednesday.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
