Bronin, Ganim, Harp applaud lawmakers for protecting cities from budget cuts
Hartford, Conn (March 29, 2016) – Today, three mayors – Luke Bronin of Hartford, Joseph Ganim of Bridgeport, and Toni Harp of New Haven – are applauding the Connecticut General Assembly for protecting cities from budget cuts in a bill that was passed, which, if signed into law by Governor Malloy, will close a $220 million state budget gap. The bill passed both chambers of the General Assembly with overwhelming support (Senate 33-3; House 127-16).
“Thanks to the General Assembly for closing our state’s budget gap without putting municipal aid on the chopping block,” said Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin. “As Hartford confronts a full-blown fiscal crisis, now more than ever we need investments from the state, which help keep the city from having to make even deeper cuts in city services and manpower. Thankfully, the General Assembly showed that it is committed to making tough budgetary choices while protecting Hartford and cities across the state.”
"Like the State of Connecticut, Bridgeport is also going through difficult financial times, with revenues just not catching up to ever increasing expenses,” said Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim. “We are also making the tough choices facing state lawmakers as they try to balance this year's state budget. We are very grateful for leadership in both chambers of the General Assembly for finding a way to balance the budget for this fiscal year without reducing critical investments in our cities. If this mitigation plan is signed into law, we can proceed in crafting our budget without major tax increases or drastic cuts that would harm our residents by reducing needed services. We stand willing to do our part to help the state find the savings necessary to achieve balance in the next fiscal year."
“The deficit package passed today in the legislature addressed this year’s projected state revenue shortfall, yet preserves critical aid for New Haven and other cities that would have been difficult to absorb at the local level with just 90 days left in the fiscal year," said New Haven Mayor Toni N. Harp. "I think legislative leadership, and all who support this remedy, deserve a great deal of credit for reaffirming their commitment to the regional centers of commerce, healthcare, higher education, and culture, and to all those who live, work, study, and spend time in Connecticut cities."
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