Connecticut lawmakers were back at the Capitol Friday, in special session, trying to hammer out a budget.
The problem? A budget deficit of more than $8 billion over the next two years.
The solution? Well, that also appears to be a problem. Republicans and Democrats have two very different ideas on how to deal with it.
"Cut spending and then we'll talk. They have not and are still unable to do so," said Gov. M. Jodi Rell.
"We're looking at a progressive income tax that would only affect people who make $500,000 a year. We've also reinstated the $500 property tax credit," said House Speaker Chris Donovan.
Round one of budget talks ended in a stalemate. Round two began today and ended behind closed doors. Democrats stayed tight-lipped about their much anticipated budget plan and only revealed a few of the cuts they intend to make.
"We're looking to cut about 10% in Department of Public Health overhead. The Department of Children and Families has too many managerial positions, so we're cutting that by 25%. We've really looked across the spectrum of the budget," said President Pro Tempore Donald Williams.
Governor Rell says the Democrats $300 million in proposed cuts isn't enough to even make a dent and wants them to make $1 billion more.
"You can't get out of an $8 billion deficit without cutting spending. Cut spending. Make the tough decisions and then we'll talk," said Rell.
Democrats say tax increases are the only way to make it through the state's financial crisis without cutting what they call "critical services." The Governor wants to close courthouses, DMV branches and technical schools to save money.
Lawmakers will be back at the Capitol Monday and hope to vote on a budget sometime next week. We hope they do, too.
