Senate Leadership
May 4, 2009
Governor Rell Passes on Request to Present Balanced Budget
Senate Democrats say with one month left in session, it is time for Governor Rell to offer her solutions
Senate President Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn) and Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney (D-New Haven) sent a letter to Gov. Rell today requesting that she make public her plan to balance the state budget deficit, estimated at approximately $8.7 billion for 2010 and 2011.
Gov. Rell responded to the letter, yet ignored the request. Instead, the governor’s letter of response encourages legislative leaders to pass a budget that she has already said she would veto. Senator Williams and Senator Looney sent a reply early Monday evening, urging the governor to be part of the solution and share her ideas with the public.
“Earlier today we sent you a letter requesting that you make public your ideas for balancing the 2010-2011 budget deficits.
Your reply to our request — that we should simply pass the committees’ budget — is not responsive. You have already stated that you would veto that budget. Have you changed your mind? Would you now sign the budget passed by the Appropriations and Finance Committees?
This is the time when we all must be part of the solution. We hope that your response was not an admission that you are not willing to share with the public your plan for a balanced budget. Families and businesses across Connecticut expect those of us in public office to be straight with them about the size of the deficit, and to tell them the steps necessary to balance the budget and move Connecticut forward.
We know that putting a balanced budget on the table involves unpopular choices and challenges. Meeting those challenges in difficult times is the essence of leadership. We hope that you will reconsider your refusal to present a balanced budget to the people of Connecticut.”
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Senator Williams’ Derek Slap |
Listing of Leadership’s recent press releases. |
Senator Looney’s Derek Slap |
