Governor Rell Calls Legislature Into Special Session

On December 15 to Close $466.5 Million Budget Gap

Also Directs Lawmakers to Amend Campaign Finance Law

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that she set a date of December 15 to call the Legislature back into a special session to consider her deficit mitigation plan and close a projected $466.5 million budget shortfall. The Governor is also asking lawmakers to amend the landmark campaign finance law to comply with a federal court’s ruling.

“Failure to swiftly address this budget shortfall will only lead us into a deeper hole – one that we cannot afford to close by borrowing more or raising taxes again. These are painful cuts, to be sure, but the Legislature must make them now to ensure that Connecticut returns to solid financial footing,” Governor Rell said.

The Governor also is calling on lawmakers to remedy the state’s campaign finance law, which she championed. The law became a model for the nation when it was adopted in 2005, establishing the publicly funded Citizens’ Election Program. The reformed system removed the influence of special interest money from the elections process. However, a federal judge recently struck down portions of the law, claiming they were unfair to minor party and petitioning candidates. The state is appealing that decision.

“Our law fosters an open election process. There are already a number of candidates for governor and the legislature for the 2010 election who are campaigning and raising money under the public financing system. But because of the court ruling, they are operating under a cloud of uncertainty,” Governor Rell said. “These candidates should not have to wait for an appeals court decision, which we may or may not win, and have the rules totally changed for them mid-stream.

“We must fix the law now and keep it workable and fair to anyone who aspires to public office. The remedies I am proposing will address the court’s concerns and maintain the integrity of our elections system,” the Governor said.

The Governor submitted language to the Legislature that would amend the campaign law to comply with the federal court ruling. Her proposals would:

·        Eliminate additional qualifying requirements for minor-party and petitioning candidates;

·        Provide grants in the same amounts to all eligible candidates;

·        Reduce the size of the grants;

·        Delay increase in grant amounts until 2014.

The Governor issued her call for a Special Session the day after she presented deficit mitigation plan. The plan includes nearly $70 million in rescissions and other program reductions that can be made under the Governor’s executive authority and $116.3 million in cuts that need legislative approval.

The deficit mitigation plan also calls for a 3 percent reduction in municipal aid, which the Governor says is “the most difficult cut of all.” To offset this reduction, however Governor Rell is assembling a panel of municipal leaders, lawmakers and state budget officials to propose immediate mandate relief.

“We have to change the way we do business right now. In good times, municipalities shared in the state’s largesse. In this economy, they must be part of the solution and so it is important they are represented at the table to help us make these difficult choices,” the Governor said.

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