Legislature Adjourns Without Adopting a State Budget
Special Session to Deal with Budget
Other News and Notes from the State Capitol
Links to Live By
Save the Date for the Annual Awards Luncheon
- At the stroke of midnight on Wednesday, June 9th, the Connecticut General Assembly adjourned for the regular session without accomplishing one of its main goals – adopting a state budget.
- In some quarters you could understand why they did not adopt a budget given how difficult the task they have in front of them. But it is a little disappointing that they didn’t even try.
- The dealing with budget issues is and remains the elephant in the room. The challenge is huge and with the Democrats holding a very slim majority in the House and a equal number of members in the House and Senate, putting together a budget was too much for members to deal with during the session.
Special Session to Deal with Budget
- Because the legislature did not adopt a state budget, that were forced to call themselves into special session to address that thorny issue.
- It became pretty clear about 2 weeks ago that the General Assembly would not reach the adjournment date deadline of June 8th. They simply could not cobble the number of votes and did not have a real plan.
- House Majority Leader Matt Ritter said a number of times that he would rather the General Assembly deal with the budget without any other distractions that the regular session brings, so that they can meet the fiscal year deadline of June 30th.
- The danger for folks like us who have a lot a stake in the adoption of the budget/tax plan is that most of the discussions on how to reach the goal will be done in backroom made by a handful of legislative leaders.
- We will do our best to keep you updated on what is going on but keep this date in mind: June 30th is the end of the State’s fiscal year. If no budget is adopted by then, Governor Malloy takes over and makes all budget decisions.
Other news and notes from the State Capitol
- It was an interesting session to say the least.
- The 18 to 18 tie in the State Senate had a profound impact on how business was conducted by both chambers. The practical impact was that little if any business on big issues could be completed.
- Issues like the budget and tolls and legalizing marijuana never got to a vote. There were discussions and even some debates, but no votes.
- We might not have seen the last of the marijuana as it may show up again during the upcoming budget negotiations.
- For CRMA it was a productive session. We were successful in stopping yet another attempt in instituting a real time sales tax collection and remittance system.
- Working with Rep. Terry Wood (R – Darien) and Sen. Bob Duff (D- Norwalk) and thanks to a number of independent paint store owners, HB 7263 passed both chambers and is on its way to the Governor.
- That bill would exempt paint manufacturing equipment from local property tax.
- No action was taken on paid family leave act bill or any increase in the mini wage.
- CRMA also strongly opposed any increase in the sales tax and we will continue to fight against it during the upcoming budget discussions.
Links to Live By
- With the session adjourning on Wednesday there are a number of post session analysis that were done as well as some special session previews.
- So, here are some of our recommended links for you to live by:
- CT Mirror, one of our favorite sites for what is doing on at the capitol doesn’t disappoint. Go here to read there take on what took place.
- The Hartford Courant covers the Governors take on what the Legislature did this session. Go here to read about that.
- Ken Dixon of the CT Post has a good run down on a number of General Assembly issues. Check Ken’s blog by going here.
- Finally, check out CT News Junkies Christin Stuart’s take, by going here.
Save the Date for the Annual Awards Luncheon
- There will be more to come on our upcoming Annual Awards Luncheon, but here is the thing: you need to put the date in your calendar so you don’t miss it.
- This year the date and location is: Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at the Bushnell in Hartford
- Hope to see you!