Press Releases
06/20/2017
Gov. Malloy Outlines Principles for the Operation of State Government in the Absence of a Budget
Stresses Funding Allocations Must Not Increase Projected Deficit
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today informed members of the General Assembly that, in the absence of an appropriations act adopted by the General Assembly prior to the start of the fiscal year that begins next week, his administration is developing a plan for managing state government to maintain essential services and satisfy obligations that are critical to the functioning of the state.
The Governor, who met with legislative leaders in his office this morning, stressed that while this is not his preferred method for operating the state, the action is necessary to ensure that state government functions smoothly.
The administration is developing a plan based on the following five principles:
- We should not increase our projected deficit – rather, we should apportion funds according to a plan that is in balance for the entire fiscal year.
- We should allocate funding to first support the most essential health, safety, and human services for our most vulnerable residents.
- We should consider the fiscal capacity of outside organizations – including cities and towns – when apportioning reductions.
- We should comply with various court orders, stipulations, and mandates, including but not limited to the Municipal Revenue Sharing Account (MRSA), the Juan F. case, CCJEF, and the SNAP and Medicaid programs.
- We should honor our tentative collective bargaining agreements while such agreements are under consideration by state employees and by the Connecticut General Assembly.
A detailed plan based on these principles will be finalized and released publicly before June 30.
“I want to assure the public that while negotiations between my administration and leaders from both the Republican and Democratic caucuses are continuing, we are putting a plan in place in order to allow critical functions of government to continue to operate,” Governor Malloy said. “Operating state government through executive authority is not my preferred method, but in the absence of a biennial budget from the legislature I must prepare contingency plans. I am committed to ensuring that the state is managed responsibly and in such a way that we do not exacerbate our existing fiscal challenges.”
He continued, “It is my sincere hope that we can and will pass a budget before the end of the fiscal year. At the same time, I felt it was prudent to share how I will approach our budget should we fail to achieve our common goal.”
**Download: Governor Malloy’s letter to legislative leaders
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