We finally have a budget agreement.
Albeit tentatively.
Wednesday afternoon, negotiators from the state House and Senate announced they had reached a tentative agreement, one that they would share with their respective caucuses. Leaders even went so far as to suggest that the agreement could have a veto-proof margin of support in both legislative chambers.
That's important, because Gov. Malloy was not included in the negotiations and has not yet seen the terms of the proposed budget. Word is that one of his key issues -- shifting one-third of the cost of teacher union pensions onto municipalities -- is not included in the tentative agreement. Malloy has threatened to veto any budget that doesn't include that, so a veto-proof majority is crucial.
You can read about what's included in the proposed budget plan here. The bad news is that tax increases are part of the deal, including taxing teachers and increasing taxes on hospitals and cigarettes.
The deal also would bail out the city of Hartford, temporarily, at least, saving it from default.
You can read more about the budget plan here.
Albeit tentatively.
Wednesday afternoon, negotiators from the state House and Senate announced they had reached a tentative agreement, one that they would share with their respective caucuses. Leaders even went so far as to suggest that the agreement could have a veto-proof margin of support in both legislative chambers.
That's important, because Gov. Malloy was not included in the negotiations and has not yet seen the terms of the proposed budget. Word is that one of his key issues -- shifting one-third of the cost of teacher union pensions onto municipalities -- is not included in the tentative agreement. Malloy has threatened to veto any budget that doesn't include that, so a veto-proof majority is crucial.
You can read about what's included in the proposed budget plan here. The bad news is that tax increases are part of the deal, including taxing teachers and increasing taxes on hospitals and cigarettes.
The deal also would bail out the city of Hartford, temporarily, at least, saving it from default.
You can read more about the budget plan here.