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The petition was submitted to the Office of the Secretary of the State after calls by hospitals, advocates for the disabled, and many others for legislative action to address Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s recent budget cuts.
“These misguided budget cuts will hurt the elderly, the sick, the disabled and the poor,” said state Sen. Michael McLachlan (R-Danbury). “They will adversely impact the delivery and quality of health care services in greater Danbury. I hope Democrats will heed the Republican call for a special session so that we can repair this damage as soon as possible.”
If a majority of state lawmakers in the House and Senate chambers signs the petition, it will trigger a special session.
The governor’s $103 million in cuts include millions in cuts to mental health and substance abuse services and programs that help those with disabilities – all areas that were already slashed in the Democrats’ budget. It also includes $64 million in Medicaid cuts that directly affect hospitals and translate to a loss of $128 million in federal dollars.
“Until the governor and the majority democrats address the state budget from a global view instead of targeting and hurting certain professions and businesses, our state and citizens will suffer the ill-fated consequences,” said state Rep. Richard Smith, who represents the 108th House District, which includes Danbury, New Fairfield, New Milford and Sherman.
“By proposing these cuts, Gov. Malloy has demonstrated he would rather protect failed fiscal policies instead of doing what’s right and taking care of the less fortunate, the sick and the disabled,” said Rep. Janice Giegler, who represents the 138th House District, which includes Danbury, New Fairfield and Ridgefield. “The legislature still has the power to work together in a bipartisan manner to reverse the unnecessary damage these draconian cuts will have on our hospitals and to show the people of Connecticut that we can work together to put out state back on sound fiscal ground without sacrificing the care of those who need it most.”
"I am hopeful the governor and Democrat leaders stand by their promises to pursue mental health improvements in our state by reconsidering our request to hold a special session" said Rep. Dan Carter, who represents House District 2, which includes Bethel, Danbury, Newtown and Redding.
“No matter a person’s age or economic background, health care is of indispensable importance,” said Rep. Stephen Harding, who represents House District 107, which includes Bethel, Brookfield and Danbury. “It should therefore be one of Connecticut’s top priorities to invest in the future of innovation and cures, support our force of medical practitioners, and encourage future generations to continue pursuing an education in medicine."
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