Mike Demicco

Citing devastating cuts to higher education, a reduction in aid to municipalities in need, and unsound changes to the state’s pension plans, Governor Malloy last week delivered on his promise to veto the Republican-backed budget.

The budget – which narrowly passed in the Senate and House on September 16^th -- would have undermined Connecticut’s efforts to grow its economy and tax base. Not only did the GOP budget make unilateral changes to pension benefits, it also cut $93 million from state universities and community colleges, and hundreds of millions from the state’s flagship university – UConn. The budget would have reversed years of progress toward paying down the state’s unfunded liabilities and countered significant investments in our economy.

With Republicans seeking support for a veto override, it is crucial – now more than ever – for the legislature to adopt a bipartisan budget that distributes education and municipal aid equitably, further invests in our educational facilities and helps grow our economy.