The year 2012 is a leap year, and for most people that means one extra day on the calendar. But for Governor-elect Dan Malloy it means an extra $7.4 million to pay for an added day of state services.
That and other projected fiscal needs are included in a 94-page transition budget the former Stamford mayor has received from Gov. M. Jodi Rell. The document shows current costs of state services, and makes recommendations to narrow a projected budget deficit.
"I have made it a priority to leave office in January with the state budget balanced and in the black -- and I will be doing just that," Rell said in a statement. "The following two fiscal years, however, are projected to end with multi-billion-dollar deficits, and this transition budget reflects the real cost of doing business as a state government and offers a framework of options for closing the gap."
Rell's office estimates the deficit will be $3.4 billion for the 2012-2013 fiscal year. In light of that, Rell said, Malloy will have to make "painful choices." She said her office has worked to give the incoming governor accurate budget figures through 2012. They are based on current services and realistic projections, such as payroll increases. Rell's document also suggests areas for cuts, including some Rell made in the past but state legislators rejected.
"The majority party can no longer avoid or afford to delay making the difficult, painful choices," said Rell, adding, "my budget office is prepared to assist the incoming Administration in any way necessary throughout the process."
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