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All Republicans, Perillo represents Shelton; McGorty represents Shelton, Stratford and Trumbull; and Kelly represents Shelton, Monroe, Stratford.
“Merely three months ago majority Democrats advanced an inadequate budget fix in special session that was in deficit almost immediately,” said Perillo. “We are now standing at $220 million in deficit in the final months of this budget year. We offer these budget adjustments in an attempt to provide an alternative that preserves necessary services and the safety net for those most in need, while making strategic, targeted cuts during this budget’s final months.”
“We are offering this proposal in good faith, and we hope that the governor and Democratic majority will seriously consider what we are putting forward,” said McGorty. “There is no need for mass layoffs of state employees or other draconian measures.”
“Facing a deficit that has grown to $220 million since December, state Republicans offered a solution that saves jobs,” said Kelly. “This proposal avoids layoffs that would hurt middle-class families and restores funding to hospitals that provide care for the neediest of our citizens.”
The Republican proposal would close the state’s $220 million current year deficit as estimated by the governor’s office and state comptroller. The proposed mitigation package would restore all $140 million in promised funding to hospitals, of which the state’s share totals $31.6 million. This funding is partial reimbursement for hospitals’ Medicaid expenses and the care they provide to those most in need.
The proposal does not include the governor’s suggested layoffs nor does it inflict a 3 percent across-the-board cut to private providers as proposed by the governor. The legislators said Republicans are instead proposing an alternative to potential layoffs through a two-day furlough for targeted state employees and benefit changes in future years, as well as 15 percent cuts to the remaining funds in multiple state accounts and targeted reductions.
Click here to view the full detail of the Republican proposal.
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