Governor Rell Joins Municipal Leaders

To Discuss Mandate Relief, State Aid

Governor M. Jodi Rell met today with Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch and New Britain Mayor Timothy Stewart to discuss key components of her budget that will help ease some of the financial burdens on Connecticut cities and towns – mandate relief and state aid.

“In this recession, the issue of mandate relief is a matter of great urgency. Our towns and cities have expressed concerns for years that state mandates without funding to back them up have costly consequences for local taxpayers,” Governor Rell said. “The very last thing our municipalities need right now is for their ‘friends’ in Hartford to make it any tougher. That is why municipal mandate relief is one of the cornerstones of my budget.”

The Governor’s budget would:

·        Require a two-thirds majority of the General Assembly for passage of any new, expensive mandate;

·        Suspend binding arbitration for two years, and then limit it to salary and benefits only at the end of the moratorium;

·        Delay for two years the in-school suspension mandate, “raise-the-age” criminal justice law and requirement to post meeting minutes on the Internet; and

·        Flat fund state aid and education grants to cities and towns.

          The Governor delivered her two-year $38.3 billion budget to the General Assembly on February 4, handing lawmakers a spending plan crafted in one of the most difficult economic times in the nation’s history. It addresses the growing budget deficit of more than $6 billion while reshaping a more efficient state government, helping families in need and positioning the state for future economic growth.

“It was an honor to host Governor Rell in the Bridgeport today,” Mayor Finch said. “I thank the Governor for not decreasing Education Cost Sharing funds and municipal aid to our city in her recommended budget. I also applaud her vision in supporting sustainability efforts and promoting efficiency throughout state government.”

“Just like Governor Rell, mayors and first selectmen across the state face the same difficult decisions when it comes time to balancing our own local budgets,” Mayor Stewart said. “Governor Rell’s budget plan will do what so many of us have worked so hard to do as chief elected officials:  lessen the burden for hardworking local property taxpayers.  After all, when it comes to the City of New Britain, I want my constituents to feel that our city is a good place to live, work and raise a family.  Governor Rell’s plan for municipal aid and mandate relief will help us do just that.”

          “Municipal leaders have a daunting task on their hands and I recognize they are doing all they can right now to care for their citizens. The state can help by respecting their needs and being a strong partner,” Governor Rell said. “Together, we will get through these difficult times and be the better for it.”