Press Release: Candelora Opposes Controversial Executive Powers

State Representative Vincent J. Candelora of East Haven, North Branford and Wallingford, voted against a controversial two-year plan proposal by Governor Malloy to give the governor sweeping budgetary powers that would amount up to $1.6 billion dollars.

The Governor currently has power to make cuts affecting up to five percent of the executive branch budget should the state budget fall into deficit. In the wake of the failure to reach a concession agreement with state employee unions, the Governor asked the legislature to expand his budgetary powers. The new power would allow the Governor to make sweeping changes without legislative approval to all three branches of government.

"Today the legislature abdicated its constitutional responsibility to provide our state with a balanced operating budget and instead, throw their constitutionally entrusted representative powers into the hands of a single executive,” said Candelora. "With no legislative approval or legislative input, we have removed the public’s right to have public hearings and input in $1.6 billion of the state budget."

According to the state constitution, the legislature is responsible to oversee the state’s finances and pass a budget. While it is typical for the executive branch to put forth a budget proposal or negotiate one with the legislature, a budget is ultimately only accepted, rejected or changed through a vote by the legislature.

“We recently celebrated the 235th anniversary of our nation’s independence from a tyrannical monarchy. It is ironic, that on the eve of this celebration the Democrats have voted to relinquish our constitutionally entrusted responsibilities as a representative body and equal branch of government into the hands of a single executive,” said Candelora.

Candelora represents East Haven, North Branford and Wallingford in the General Assembly. To contact Rep. Candelora call 1-800-842-1423 orwww.RepCandelora.com. To contact the Governor’s office call 1-800-406-1527 or visit www.governor.ct.gov.