Minority Republicans in the House renewed the pitch for
their own budget, a plan that relies on $2 billion in labor savings mandated by
statutory changes and not bargained collectively.
Minority Leader ThemisKlarides, R-Derby, vowed that if House Democrats bring
their own budget which includes a sales tax hike to a vote on Tuesday the GOP
would offer its own proposal as an amendment.
And while all sides say negotiations continue, many said
privately that no one has built consensus yet around any plan let alone one
that Gov. Dannel P. Malloy would sign to close $5.1
billion in projected deficits over this fiscal year and next combined.
Besides cutting labor costs by about $2
billion over two years combined, the House Republican budget also would:
Eliminate a program to share sales tax receipts with cities
and towns.
Preserve and modestly increase funding for local education.
Ease certain mandates on municipalities.
Reduce many state agency budgets by as much as 10 percent.