HARTFORD, CT – Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) responded to the budget announcement for the next fiscal year made this afternoon by Governor Ned Lamont. In his address to the General Assembly, Governor Lamont declared efforts to dig into the state’s significant financial deficits by implementing changes to a number of state structures.
“I agree we need to do as much as we can to keep expenses and bonding costs as low as possible,” said Sen. Needleman, in response to the Governor’s calls to limit spending in future years. Sen. Needleman also addressed additional issues that impact his constituents.
“I’m anxiously awaiting the numbers and the impact on municipalities for the teacher pension costs,” said Sen. Needleman, referring to the Governor’s proposed overhaul of that system. “However, I’m encouraged by the proposed expansion of minimum budget requirements,” he added. That change would allow school boards to take more control over their budgets and loosen restrictions requiring them to increase spending. “Consistency of funding for all other municipal services is important,” Sen. Needleman added.
“Governor Lamont put forth a responsible budget that addresses our deficit and invests in our economy,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven). “Today was the beginning of the General Assembly’s budget process and I look forward to working together with him in crafting a final product. I want to thank the Governor for including critical policy proposals for Connecticut families.”
“I applaud Governor Lamont for tackling a number of important structural budget issues in his address today,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk). “The Governor’s budget is a first step in the legislature’s budget process. Senate Democrats and myself will be evaluating and debating his proposals and many others in the months to come. I am particularly supportive of the Governor’s ideas to streamline state government by modernizing our IT infrastructure and moving more state functions online. However we move forward we need to ensure Connecticut’s budget works for middle class families, improves education, and invests in our economic future.”