Senate Democrats released their revised plan Thursday.
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On Monday, Senate and House Democrats appeared more united in offering a $350-million reduction in the current budget, including a $105.3 million cut in legislative spending. In a news release Wednesday, State Elections Enforcement Commission Executive Director Michael Brandi said the commission, which administers the CEP, would oppose any budget that suspended the program.
It’s unclear whether the House Democrats have signed off on the latest proposal, which Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney said reduces the state’s bottom line by $350 million in 2016.
Haddad, who has used CEP funding in each of his three election campaigns, said the program obviates the need for elected officials to ask for favors from lobbyists and special-interest groups, and instead makes them more accountable to their constituents. While GOP leaders said they welcomed the Senate Democrats’ proposed changes, including the retirement incentive proposal, House Democratic leaders warned such programs “can wreak havoc on long-term fiscal health”. The plan also promises $163 million in savings over two years from a new retirement incentive program, but no details were provided. “I am committed to working through the bipartisan process not only with our friends in the House, but with Governor Malloy and our Republican colleagues as well”.
“Our caucus was adamant that should not be part of the package”, Sharkey said.
Dannel P. Malloy has called on top congressional leaders to pass legislation that would prohibit the sale of firearms and explosives to anyone suspected by the federal government of being a terrorist.
Sharkey said he was disappointed the Senate unilaterally issued its own plan, but he remains optimistic that the four legislative caucuses and the administration can agree on cuts by an informal deadline of December 4.
Aresimowicz said he didn’t believe rumors that the GOP minority leaders, Rep. Themis Klarides of Derby and Sen.
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The bipartisan talks with the Senate and administration are to continue Monday.
