Special Session Lasts 15 Minutes
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Rell Calls Lawmakers Back To Capitol
UPDATED: 7:33 pm EST December 15, 2009
HARTFORD, Conn. — On Tuesday, lawmakers returned to the Capitol to try to reduce the huge budget deficit.
That meeting lasted only 15 minutes, and nothing was accomplished.
Democrats do not like Gov. Jodi Rell’s budget deficit mitigation because they said it would leave thousands without jobs.
Republicans blamed Democrats for doing what they said should have been done months ago.
Minority Leader Sen. John McKinney said, “The deficit is the result of the democrats budget which did not cut spending, relied too much on borrowing and simply spent money we don’t have.”
However, Democrats said deep cuts hurt those in need like the elderly and the disabled.
House Speaker Chris Donovan said Rell’s plan would also eliminate 5,000 jobs. His plan was to borrow $100 million from the retirement fund for state workers.
Donovan said, “Weicker did it, Rowland did it, the governor agreed with SEBAC and it’s an option we have to get 100 million.”
As lawmakers battle it out, those who depend on state-funded programs were becoming more vocal. On Tuesday hundreds rallied outside the Capitol.
Nursing student Carolyn Demaio said, “We are hoping they won’t cut the LPN program from the state budget. A lot of people out here will be taking care of people in the future.”
Watch video of the segment here.
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