HARTFORD – Gov. Malloy and Democratic lawmakers resorted to budgetary gimmicks today to balance the state budget by raiding transportation funds, borrowing for operating expenses and cutting programs and services, six months after they rammed through the largest tax increase in state history, House Republican Leader Lawrence F. Cafero Jr. said today.
“More broken promises from the Governor who said he would never borrow to keep government going,” Cafero said. “Now they intend to raid dedicated funds and close the massive state deficit we were never going to have with one-shot gimmicks. So much for truth in advertising,’’ Cafero said. “Instead, government grows.’’
Cafero said that the Democratic budget does not account for newly revised revenue estimates which show the state budget deficit is now at $285 million, thereby building into future budgets even greater deficits. He noted that the revenue projections are now at least $300 million less than when the budget was adopted.
Malloy also intends to reduce payments to the Teachers’ Retirement Health Care fund by paying for it out of the Teachers’ Retirement Fund. This will increase the unfunded liability within the teachers’ pension funds.
“They are taking money out of one pocket to pay for ongoing expenses, something that Gov. Malloy criticized of previous governors and even the Democratic-controlled legislature. It is the height of hypocrisy,’’ Cafero said.
The budget would swipe $70 million from the Special Transportation Fund by taking $30 million from Town Road Aid, delaying bond sales and reducing the STF balance.
“This budget employs every known gimmick and adds a few,’’ Cafero said.
The following is the result of the vote:
Total Number Voting 144
Necessary for Passage 73
Those voting Yea 95
Those voting Nay 49
Those absent and not voting 7
