Malloy Vetoes Republican Budget

HARTFORD, CT — Gov. Dannel Malloy has officially vetoed the state budget that was passed by Republicans and some Democrats. The budget is unbalanced, would open the state to lawsuits and damage the state’s educational system, he said.

In a three-page formal letter Malloy blasted the budget with the same criticism he has levied over the past couple of weeks since the budget passed.

Connecticut is now the only state in the nation not to have a passed budget.

Malloy argues that the budget doesn’t fund the state’s pension plan to an adequate level because it hinges on promises that would come a decade from now. The state employee union contract expires in 2027. Republicans aim to change how pensions are calculated then, but draw “savings” now, he said.

Republicans maintain that the budget is balanced and makes much-needed structural changes to the state’s finances.

Come Oct. 1 Malloy's executive plan to cut state funding to the majority of the state's school systems will go into effect.

Related: Shock At The Capitol: Republican Budget Passes Legislature

Malloy’s other criticism includes:

• The budget doesn’t answer how to come up with a fair education cost sharing formula that was mandated by state courts.
• It cuts hundreds of millions of dollars from UConn, which would devastate the school and its students.
• Hartford would be forced to declare bankruptcy.
• The budget takes away from the neediest.

The governor urged all parties to come together to negotiate another budget.

Republicans passed their budget with the help of three Democrats in the senate and five in the house. While those numbers were enough for a simple majority it wouldn’t be enough to override Malloy’s veto.

Image via Gov. Dannel Malloy Office/Twitter