Gov. proposes $1/4 billion in spending

WTNH TV

Updated: Feb 8, 2012 5:56 PM

Hartford, Conn. (WTNH) — Governor Malloy says his budget is working and he's ready to tackle more problems. In his State of the State address Wednesday he proposed over a quarter of a billion dollars in new spending and says it's all worth the investment.

This is a short legislative session, just 13 weeks, but the Governor has big plans.

Governor Malloy remains bullish that last year's spending cuts, union concessions and tax increases are paying enough dividends to keep the red ink at bay.

"State government is now on a sustainable course," said Malloy. "Yes, we have to cut some spending and forego some things we wanted to do over the course of the next few months, but make no mistake about it; we will end this year in the black."

Malloy didn't mention it in his speech, but he is so convinced he will get his way on the Sunday sale of liquor that his budget includes 8.5 million new tax dollars that's expected to be generated from selling beer, wine and spirits on Sundays, instead of losing that revenue to New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island on the day of rest.

He also wants to increase state spending over $300 million on items he feels he can get bi-partisan cooperation on.

Republicans are already pledging cooperation on his plans to increase spending on charter schools, the state take over of some troubled schools and enhancements to get the best students to become teachers.

In addition to the $128 million for those programs, he wants to increase the state's contribution to the state employee pension plan by #123 million; $63 million to help rebuild public housing and create affordable housing. There is also $7.5 million for tree trimming, micro-grids for town centers and a big disaster drill this summer.

Republicans in the General Assembly spoke generally positive about the things Malloy wants to do, but they do not see the state's finances being as rosey as he does.

"If things go south, as they are trending to do," said Rep. Larry Cafero, "then all of the wonderful reforms the Governor spoke about today will not come to pass."

"No one should doubt my resolve; I am determined to fix our public schools," Malloy said. "I do not think it will be easy, nor do I think it will happen overnight, but it will happen. It must happen."

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