Republican legislators unveiled a two-year budget plan that rejected controversial proposals to pass teacher pension costs onto towns and to expose nonprofit hospitals to local taxation. But the GOP plan, which also would eliminate a program to share sales tax receipts with municipalities, is out of balance by more than $1 billion because of recent, massive erosion in state income tax receipts.
Labor
Posted inCT Viewpoints
Solving Connecticut’s budget woes requires fact, not fiction
A recent op-ed by Erik Cafarella propagates popular budget fictions—the same misinformation I heard at a recent Appropriations Committee hearing. While his op-ed claims Connecticut suffers under a heavy tax burden, a new report from the Center for Public Policy and Social Research at Central Connecticut State University found that Connecticut actually has the lowest […]
Posted inMoney, Politics
Dramatically eroding CT income tax receipts complicate budget debate
Updated at 7:10 p.m.
New reports show dramatically eroding state income tax receipts that could expand the deficit in the next two-year budget by more than $500 million while depleting existing reserves. Although six more days remain before analysts complete their review of April income tax receipts, the new numbers also raise the prospect state government may have to borrow to balance the current budget.
Posted inMoney
Malloy warns CT employee unions of nearly 1,100 layoffs planned for May
The notifications are the first stage in an alternative cost-cutting plan if ongoing concessions talks aren’t successful. This marks the second time in the past week that Malloy has hinted time is running out for unions to accept major concessions to help balance the next budget.
Posted inCities & Towns, Money, Politics
Bronin: CT must do more than avert insolvency in Hartford
Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin’s new $613 million city budget needs at least $49 million in extra state and private-sector aid to stave off ugly choices that could include bankruptcy.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
A win-win for Connecticut’s economy, neighborhoods and environment
As a mayor, I start every day thinking about how our city can create the conditions for more economic growth, job creation and investment in our neighborhoods. And I know the same goes for mayors across the state. Along with the administration and leaders on both sides of the aisle, our number one priority is […]
Posted inMoney, Politics
For Malloy, re-election is off the table but other tough tests loom
Within minutes of Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s announcement Thursday that he wouldn’t seek a third term, speculation began over whether it would weaken his position with legislators, employee unions and other interest groups.
Posted inEducation
Yale is stalling, waiting for Trump, grad union claims
Hundreds of Yale graduate teachers union members and supporters rallied Wednesday afternoon demanding the university now negotiate a first contract.
Posted inPolitics
Gender pay equity bill advances — minus key wage-history provision
A measure to promote pay equity among men and women advanced Wednesday in the House of Representatives — but minus a key provision regarding inquiries into a prospective employee’s salary history.
Posted inMoney, Politics
Labor study: Businesses can pay more to preserve CT’s quality of life
Connecticut businesses can afford — and should pay — higher taxes to support investments in education, health care and other priorities to grow the economy and preserve quality of life, a report sponsored by the state’s biggest labor group urged Wednesday.
Posted inEducation, Money, Politics
Malloy plan hands poorest municipalities a life preserver and an anchor
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy wants to help Hartford and Connecticut’s poorest communities stabilize their local budgets. But he also wants all municipalities — including the poorest — to begin paying one-third of teacher pension costs set to explode over the next 15 years. Those goals may not be politically compatible.
Posted inMoney
Wall Street agency warns CT budgets will be bleak for years
A major Wall Street credit rating agency warned investors Wednesday that Connecticut’s weak economy and surging retirement benefit costs are likely to plague state budgets and test the state’s fiscal management for several years to come.
Posted inJustice, Money
CT court marshals push to carry firearms on the job
State court marshals are urging support for a measure that would empower them to carry firearms in state courthouses, but the bill faces an uncertain future as the legislature’s Judiciary Committee nears its deadline.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
Connecticut can help close the gender wage gap by legislative action
This year, Connecticut has an opportunity to shine as a leader in policies that combat the gender wage gap and support women, especially women of color, in the workforce. A year from now, on Equal Pay Day, I hope we can look back at our legislative accomplishments in 2017 and know that our future is one where Connecticut women and girls get paid what they are worth.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
Labor and civil rights unite tomorrow to oppose racism, raise pay
Forty-nine years ago tomorrow, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. On this anniversary, we are reminded of his legacy as thousands of underpaid workers, local racial justice activists, elected officials and clergy will take to the streets in two dozen cities across the country, including Hartford, to fight racism and raise pay.