Senate Leadership
September 24, 2007
Senate President Williams, Speaker Amann Ask Governor Rell For Face-to-Face Bond Meeting
Senate President Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn) and House Speaker James A. Amann (D-Milford) today asked Gov. M. Jodi Rell for a face-to-face meeting to discuss the state bonding package that she has threatened to veto.
"The governor has so far been unwilling to participate in leadership meetings regarding bonding. But it was a meeting with the three of us that broke the impasse on the budget negotiations in June," Sen. Williams said. "It makes sense to finally have a leadership meeting to discuss the position of the governor on the bond package and to discuss the merits of the bill. What doesn't make sense is to return to the large, circus-like negotiations that produced nothing and where some of the governor's advisors were bargaining in bad faith."
"The Governor and Legislature share a responsibility to work together, yet it has been very frustrating to see this Governor try to negotiate the bond package through the media," Speaker Amann said. "Despite knowing exactly what was in the bond legislation, the Governor gave no indication of a possible veto until after the fact. When it came down to the final stretch with the budget, the Governor was very helpful when she personally got involved. It is time for her to join us at the table again."
Their full letter is displayed below.
September 24, 2007
The Honorable M. Jodi Rell
Governor
State of Connecticut
State Capitol, Room 202
Hartford, CT 06106
Dear Governor Rell:
We wish to invite you to meet with us--just the three leaders of the executive and legislative branches--to discuss the bonding bill passed by the legislature last week. You should receive the bill from the Secretary of the State's office later this week.
We would welcome a detailed discussion of concerns you may have, and would also welcome an opportunity to explain in detail why we believe this bill is affordable and vital to the future of our state.
As you know, the approval of the bonding bill by the legislature last week took three months of work, and before you veto the bill we request that the three of us meet to discuss our mutual concerns.
Thank you for your consideration.
Very truly yours,
Donald E. Williams, Jr., President Pro Tempore of the Senate
James A. Amann, Speaker of the House
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