Donald E. Williams, Jr.

General Assembly to Vote on Budget (Without Increase to Gas Tax): Senate to Convene Monday, House on Tuesday

Statements Senate President Donald E. Williams, Jr., Speaker Christopher G. Donovan and Governor Dannel P. Malloy

Legislative leaders are announcing that the General Assembly will vote on the 2012-2013 biennial budget at the beginning of the week. The Senate will convene at approximately 11 AM Monday and the House will vote on Tuesday. The budget adheres to the framework first proposed by Governor Dannel P. Malloy and then adjusted by the legislature’s budget committees last month. Over the weekend legislative leaders and Governor Malloy’s Administration agreed to the following changes:

• There will be no 3-cent increase to the state’s excise tax on gas as was proposed.
• Additional language will be included in the budget regarding the $2 billion placeholder for concessions and savings. Any gap between the savings and concessions total and the $2 billion would require future legislative action.

Senate President Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn): “Connecticut’s economic crisis—like nearly every state—has been long and severe. Monday we will take the first step in turning the page and setting the foundation for economic growth. The budget has no gimmicks, no borrowing, and no cuts to municipal aid. With the recent increases of gas prices it was also important to avoid any increase to the gas tax—and that’s exactly what we did. By consolidating agencies and departments and cutting bureaucracy we also begin to reshape Connecticut state government. There is more work to be done but this week marks an important first step.”

Speaker Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden): "With Democrats working together, we've been able to complete a budget agreement earlier than in recent memory, one that is honest and shares sacrifice in a fair way in resolving the deficit. We were able to stay within Governor Malloy's framework while ironing out final details. In eliminating the gas tax increase, we were able to help ease the burden on Connecticut residents at a time when prices at the pump are already putting a strain on them.”

Governor Dannel P. Malloy: "The legislature should be commended for moving forward with an up-or-down vote on the budget. In doing so, they are taking an important step to stabilize our state's finances and get our fiscal house in order. With an agreement on the final few details, this budget remains within my framework and relies on neither gimmicks nor tricks. This budget is the real deal, and I'm pleased we'll have an up-or-down vote early this week.”