How Much Will Wolcott Lose in ‘Plan B’?

After last week’s union rejection of an agreement with state government, the pointing of fingers has begun. Yet, those fingers aren’t willing to plug the $1.4 to 3 Billion leak in the state budget’s dam. But what exactly will change is yet to be seen. Constitutionally, it seems that the legislature is in control of the state budget still. Even after adjourning their session on June 8th, it is that branch of government who controls the state’s purse strings. Last Friday the Governor ordered them back into session. If he could make budget cuts – or at least budget cuts to the extent necessary to balance the budget – himself, he could have done so without summoning them back to the Capitol.

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Tuesday’s Special Elections Could Impact Governor Malloy’s Tax Hike Proposal

Special Elections will be held in the shaded areas. State House races are in yellow, Senate in green

Shortly after taking office, Gov. Malloy needed additional staff to run his administration. Being the first elected Democrat to the office in 20 years, he looked to those with experience within his own party. This prompted a tidal wave of resignations of 8 of the most prominent legislators from the state house and senate. A 9th legislator – Sen. Tom Gaffey of Meriden – resigned for unrelated reasons stemming from larceny charges where he double billed the state for expenses for himself and his girlfriend.

Special elections will be held this Tuesday to ensure that the 18 towns affected have proper representation. The legislature has been in session for just over a month, although no meaningful legislation has been voted upon except in committees which are currently reviewing bill proposals. Once the new legislators are elected though, they will hit the ground running to analyze Gov. Malloy’s budget proposal. How many seats Republicans pick up could have an impact to whether Malloy gets what he wants, or an alternative plan is approved.

New Law Ideas Due This Week

Wolcott has new representation in Hartford and both State Representative Robert Sampson and State Senator Joe Markley are busy filing bills. If you have any ideas on what you would like to have proposed during the 2010 session, try to get your ideas to them this week. Their contacts are below.

Sampson already has a list of bills he is prepared to introduce here.

Among his proposals are holding public hearings before a group home is located in a residential neighborhood, reducing unfunded mandates and making English the official state language. He also has introduced a variety of hunting and fishing bills.

Joe Markley – Joe.Markley@cga.ct.gov or 1-800-842-1421
His Aide is Pam Salamone who will be able to assist with any constituent services as well.

Rob Sampson – rob.sampson@housegop.ct.gov
1-800-842-1423
Sampson’s aide is David Williams